DAVAO DE ORO, FEBRUARY 19, 2021 – Nine farmers’ associations in different hinterland areas of Davao de Oro identified as Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) and Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) benefited from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Region 11’s incubator deliveries mid-first quarter of FY 2021.

Each association received one unit of incubator with hatcher worth Php 42,500, featuring a 336 eggs maximum setter capacity and 156-180 eggs maximum hatcher capacity.

“Kinahanglan jud namo ang incubator kay naay mga manok nga di jud mulumlom. Nagtigom jud mi ug itlog para mapadaghan namo ang among mga manok (We really need the incubator because there are hens that don’t know how to hatch their eggs. We assembled and prepared eggs so that we can multiply the number of our chicken),” said Mr. Jerry Roylar, chairperson of Malamboon Farmers Consumers Cooperative of Brgy. Mahayahay (ELCAC) in Maragusan.

Aside from a setter and a hatcher, the incubators also include the following components: temperature and humidity gadget, water tray, automated egg turning (at 45° angle every hour and a half), and automated circulation and ventilation.

“Bisan ingon ani ang sitwasyon nga naay pandemya, nadayon jud ang mga project nga para sa amoa. Wa jud mi gipasagdan (Even with the pandemic situation, the projects that are for us pushed through. We weren’t neglected),” Ms. Marlene L. Rodriguez, chairperson of San Antonio Farmers Association in Prosperidad, Montevista, said. “First timer mi, pero amoang i-sustain ni nga project (We are first timers (referring to handling of incubators), but we will sustain this project.”

Fulfilled in a 3-day succession, the turnover was rigorous, requiring SAAD 11’s regional staff and the Regional Agricultural Engineering Division (RAED) to travel from one area to the next. They performed the turnover ceremony, incubator calibration, and onsite training for proper handling of the equipment.

Montevista Mayor Eutropio Jayectin attended the delivery on Prosperidad, commenting, “Sa kalayo sa lugar, gihatdan mo diri ug pangpusa sa itlog. Maghiusa ta, maningkamot ta sa tumong sa atoang gobyerno (Even though the place is far-flung, you were provided with an incubator. Let’s unite, we should strive to fulfill our government’s goals).”

The Charlie company of the 66th Infantry Battalion, one of SAAD’s armed partners in deliveries, also assisted in the implementation in Maragusan, Compostela, and Pantukan. “Most GIDA and ELCAC areas rely on agriculture as their main source of living. Here in barangay Mahayahay, it’s abaca, chayote, chicken, tomatoes. SAAD projects help with the financial burden of our people by supplementing their livelihood,” 1st Lt. Leo Daren Gapay, Company Commander, said.

Asked about the state of leftist activities in the areas, he commented, “Ang masasabi ko, controlled na siya. Kay ang communist groups diri tung una daghan jud sila, pero tung niabot ang gobyerno ug military, nihawa na. Dakong tabang ang presensiya sa gobyerno ug mga livelihood projects sa different agencies kay malisdan sila ug sulod. Kay ang tao, pupunta talaga doon sa may livelihood sila (All I can say is that it’s controlled. There were many communist groups here, but when the government and military came, they left. The presence of our government through livelihood projects by different agencies is pivotal because they can’t penetrate. People will naturally gravitate towards projects that can support them).”

“Manghinaot mi nga inyohang palungtaron ni nga project. Kay ang saad namo, amo jung gituman (We hope that you would sustain this project. We promised you this, and we delivered),” Ms. Naomi Lamata, Focal Person for SAAD Region 11, encouraged beneficiaries in each area.

A component for the upgraded native chicken production project of SAAD 11, the incubators were given months after the poultry (alongside various biologics and vegetable seeds) were delivered,  allowing ample time for hens to start laying eggs.

To streamline and amplify incubator use among the beneficiaries, SAAD Region 11 also plans to follow up with Itik Pinas Kayumanggi production this year. ###

Writer: James Brian R. Flaga, SAAD RPMSO 11 Information Officer

Source: DA-SAAD Davao de Oro