SULU, September 21, 2021 – Forty farmers in Patikul, Sulu received 30 modules of egg machines from the Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 9 through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program.

The egg machines worth Php 1,798,500 are part of the Layer Chicken Egg Production Project. They were turned over to beneficiaries from barangays Pansul and Kabbon Takas on September 6 and 13.

Each barangay received 15 modules of egg machines (each module consists of 42 layer chickens) with 81 bags of crumble feeds.

The SAAD area coordinators delivered the assistance in the presence of Patikul Mayor Kabir Hayudini, Brigadier General Benjamin Batara Jr., Lieutenant Colonel Ralph De Mesa, National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC) focal Nur-Raez Omar, Municipal Planning & Development Coordinator Luvisminda J. Hayudini, Lieutenant Jhonny-Ric Bregonia, and Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) OIC – Representative Al-jibriel D. Ladjahasan.

Patikul is one of the two new municipalities where SAAD extended its scope of implementation. Mayor Hayudini expressed his delight and reminded the farmers to take care of the projects.

SAAD in Patikul

In 2017, many Patikul residents were forced to evacuate their place due to the presence of terrorism. Some stood their ground and remained in their homes while others chose not to return because of fear.

After three years, with the government support and Balik Barangay program, they are now slowly getting back on their feet, receiving various support from the national government agencies including SAAD and the local government units (LGUs).

“I have been the barangay captain of Kabbon Takas for 24 years, but we have never received a project from the national government, not until today,” exclaimed former barangay captain Abuk Ahajani.

Brigadier General Batara Jr. also expressed support by committing the 32nd Infantry Brigade to the farmers to be the first buyers of eggs once they start selling and assisting the community in securing the town’s peace.

“We are so lucky here in Patikul because there are lots of agencies who are concerned and support us,” said General Batara, Jr.

SAAD Sulu has supported Talipao, Panamao, Maimbung, and Parang since 2018, expanding to Indanan and Luuk in 2019, and to Omar and Patikul in 2021. ###

Writer: Shara Malaica Ussam, Information Officer- DA Region 9
Copy-editor: Natalianne Marie O. Delos Reyes, PR and Comms Officer- SAAD NPMO