KALINGA, September 4, 2020 – Cagaluan Agriculturist Association (CAA) of Barangay Cagaluan, Pasil received 80 poultry feeders, 80 poultry drinkers, and 40 wire mesh in support of the Poultry Production Project in the area. The said project is a sub-component of the Integrated Banana, Calamansi, Pineapple, Ginger, Poultry, and Swine Production Project worth Php 1,310,371.00 funded by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program for FY 2020.

CAA was established and has been a SAAD beneficiary since 2019 and has a vision of marketing processed duck meat and eggs in the future.

Each of the 40 members of CAA received two poultry feeders, two poultry drinkers, and a roll of poultry wire mesh. The interventions will be used for the feeding and fencing of the 21 muscovy ducks, which were previously distributed by the program.

Barangay Cagaluan is one of the barangays in the municipality of Pasil, Kalinga with a population of 1,276 (DSWD, 2015 Census). According to the Municipal Social Welfare Office, Cagalguan has a poverty incidence rate among families of 42%. Its population represented 13.23% of the total population of Pasil. SAAD Program aims to provide livelihood projects to identified beneficiaries to address the looming poverty situation, especially in rural areas.

According to the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), poultry is the most progressive animal enterprise today. Poultry is one of the traditional animals that is being raised in the community.

Hence, as a result of a series of consultations, one of the interventions proposed was duck production. Duck is a multipurpose breed for meat and eggs. It lays from 70-120 eggs/year and produces quality meat. Ducks eat anything, such as vegetable trimmings and other kitchen leftovers.

Other agricultural farm inputs such as plastic crates, plastic drums, and wheelbarrows were also proposed to support the target beneficiaries in engaging with such projects. In addition, providing open water sources is an ongoing challenge to duck farmers. Access to open water is beneficial to duck welfare and ensures good flock health. Fortunately, Pasil has an abundant water source from its springs.

Ducks rely on water in maintaining its plumage in good condition and keeping its nostrils and eyes clean by submerging its head under the water. It also uses water to regulate its body temperature to avoid heat stress.

Further, the Philippines was listed as among the top 10 countries with the fastest-growing meat consumption with a projected compound annual growth rate of about 30 % from 2020-2021. Chicken meat is among the three top consumed meat. There is also an increasing volume of meat imports in recent years hence the good opportunity to increase local supply. ###

Writer: Sheena Phine B. Pisco, Information Officer I, Kalinga
Source: Rema B. Longan, Pasil Area Coordinator

References:

Lauren Edwards. 2019. Poultry: Why water access is the secret to duck health. Retrieved from https://thepoultrysite.com/articles/why-water-access-is-the-secret-to-duck-health

Sonny N. Domingo. 2018. Review of High Value Agriculture in the Philippines with Comprehensive Subsectoral Focus. Philippine Institute for Development Studies. Retrieved from https://pidswebs.pids.gov.ph/CDN/EVENTS/livestock_review_06252018_domingo.pdf

Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development. 2006.  The Philippines Recommends for Broiler Production. Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry, and Natural Resources, Research and Development, Department of Science and Technology, Los Baños, Laguna.