Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the owner of a 10,000-square meter property in San Pascual, Tuba, Benguet signed a usufruct agreement for a city piggery project.

The proposed piggery addresses concerns on backyard hog raising, which is considered a major contributor in the pollution of waterways.

Engr. Francis Cuyop represents the lot owner who signified consent to the use of the lot for hog raising for 10 years.

The period, however, does not include the construction of facilities and that permanent improvements redound to owner’s use, after the agreed period of use.

The owner authorizes the possession and use of the property as stated in the agreement.

Under the agreement, any breach, dispute, or litigation in the terms and conditions of the agreement would be filed in Baguio City courts.

The signing was witnessed by City Social Welfare and Development Officer Betty Fangasan, executive assistant to the mayor Leandro Tabilog, and other city officials.

Magalong said the computer-controlled technology-based piggery to be housed in San Pascual is expected to be profitable for backyard hog raisers, namely some members of the newly inducted Baguio Animal Raisers Cooperative (Baraco).

Two piggery facilities within the proposed area are expected to house 1,200 hogs with harvest at least twice a year, the mayor said.

Mayor Magalong emphatically said that piggeries are out of the city by next year.

The Department of Agriculture has granted P10 million for the piggery project, while Thailand-based CPF food company will provide training and basic materials for the hog raising facility.

Construction of the planned piggery will start after the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) is accomplished with a public hearing set in Tuba, Dec. 13.

The mayor inducted the officers of Baraco last week. The cooperative is a requirement for the piggery project in Tuba.