World Mission for Hungry People, Inc. launches Pig Bank Project

To help improve the livelihood of the poor in barangays through the use of progressive technology, especially in the field of agriculture, the World Mission for Hungry People, Inc. (WMHPI) led by Cho Moon Hwan formally launched June 1 the Pig Bank Project at Korean-Philippines Cooperation Center (KPCC) in Brgy. South Fundidor Molo, Iloilo City .

The project, sponsored by Incheon Council of Saemaul Leaders from the Republic of Korea , will benefit Brgy. Catubig in the Municipality of Badiangan , Brgy. San Geronimo, Barotac Viejo and Brgy. Balcon Maravilla , Jordan , Guimaras.

This two-year project will disperse two hundred piglet heads to beneficiaries after the formal launching today.

Choo said after one year of launching, the beneficiary is obliged to give back to the barangay/municipality the original fund of Pig Bank Fund equivalent to one pig.

He said the barangay/municipality will then give back to Korea-Philippine Cooperation Center all the original Pig Bank Fund for reporting and assessment.

Choo said further that after the assessment, Korea-Philippines Cooperation Center will give back to the barangay/municipality the whole Pig Bank Fund, but each recipient barangay's fund will vary depending on their previous performance.

He said each barangay will be ranked according to performance and the barangay with the best performance will have a higher share in the Pig Bank Fund.

Choo said after the second year of project ends, the barangay/municipality will manage the Pig Bank Fund as the continuing project for the benefit of the people in the community.

He said the supervision and overseeing of the project will be done by the municipality/barangay, supervised by the Municipal Agriculturist where Korea-Philippines Cooperation Center will get reports directly from the municipality and will do the final assessment and reporting.

Choo said three agricultural technicians from Korea are now working with the residents in a two-hectare test farm for livestock and vegetables in Brgy. Catubig, Badiangan.

Choo said, aside from Pig Bank Project, WMHPI/KPCC also held various programs such as medical check-up and distribution of Korean medicine in poverty-stricken areas, water supply development, the Gospel Mission: taking care of spiritual lives and cultural exchange and volunteer visit, among others. (Ian C. Espada/PIO)