EASTERN SAMAR, August 4, 2022 – Fifty (50) beneficiaries from two farmers’ associations (FAs) benefited from a three-day livelihood training on Egg Layer Production held at Barangay 4, Jipapad, and Barangay Bigo, Arteche facilitated by the Department of Agriculture-Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Region 8. Said localized training is seen to improve poultry practices and yield of the beneficiaries in Eastern Samar.
The municipalities of Jipapad and Arteche are 5th and 3rd class municipalities located in the northern parts of Eastern Samar. Based on 2018 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data, the poverty incidence in Jipapad is at 65.46%, and 58.66% for Arteche.
Before receiving assistance from the SAAD Program, Samahang Organikong Magsasaka (SOMa) and Bigo Farmers Association (BFA) were cultivating vegetables and rice for consumption and livelihood. In looking for an alternative source of income and through a recommendation from the local government unit (LGU), the associations were introduced to the SAAD program.
After a needs assessment, SOMa and BFA qualified for the FY 2022 Expansion Support for Egg Layer Production Project. With this, Php 830,000 worth of interventions under the FY 2022 Expansion Support for Egg Layer Production Project are under way for the associations. As counterpart to the project, both FAs shouldered the expenses for the animal housing facility worth Php 40,000.
Preparation for the Egg Layer Production
Prior to the actual assistance in the succeeding months, SAAD Region 8 conducted a 3-day livelihood training on Egg Layer Production at Brgy. 4, Jipapad from April 27 to 29, 2022, and at Bgry. Bigo, Arteche, Eastern Samar from May 11 to 13, 2022.
The training was participated in by a total of 50 farmers from SOMa (25 members) in Jipapad and BFA (25 members) in Arteche. The Municipal Agriculturists of both LGUs were present in the training, while Dr. Joy A. Balagapo, Veterinarian IV of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Eastern Samar and SAAD Region 8 Area Coordinators served as resource speakers in the activity.
Having no to little experience in layer chicken production, the capability enhancement training aims to equip the farmers with the technical know-how and skills required in caring for and managing the poultry stock once the inputs are delivered.
The speakers discussed the importance and potential of Egg Layer production in terms of farming and business enterprise in the country.
“Egg layer production is a profitable business venture right now. As the price increases in the market, the per capita consumption per day also increases,” shared Dr. Joy A. Balagapo, Veterinarian IV, Eastern Samar Provincial Veterinary Office.
Basic management practices for Layer Poultry Production were discussed including requirements in starting a layer chicken farm, effective biosecurity protocols, strains used for table egg production, housing and facilities, nutrition and feeding management, lighting management, egg handling, pest and disease management, waste management, record keeping, and the economics of 480 head layer chicken that will be provided to the associations.
Val Frank Ivan G. Camartin, SAAD Eastern Samar Development Officer and another resource speaker for the training stated, “Having proper record keeping is necessary for Egg layer production. It will give reliable information of the farm operation, it is a basis in pricing and planning, and the overall efficiency of the egg layer business can only be quantified if records are accurate.”
SOMa and BFA are thankful to the SAAD program for spearheading the livelihood training. “Ura it amon kalipay nga tinagan kami hit SAAD hin sugad hin nga livelihood project. Dako ini nga bulig ngan kadugangan hit amon pangita para han amon tagsa tagsa nga pamilya. Unta damo pa nga grupo an mabuligan niyo ngan magpadayon pa kunta ini nga programa han Department of Agriculture pinaagi hit SAAD program. Bisan kon baguhan la kami hini nga egg layer farming damo po an amon nahibaruan dara po hini nga training nga iyo hinatag ha amon. Nagkamaydaan namon hibaro kon paano an pagmaniho hit pag-ataman hit layer nga manok para makakita kwarta,” shared Windeleth O. Abestrus, a member of SOMa, and seconded by the group members.
(We are overflowing with joy for being chosen as recipients of this livelihood project. This is a huge help in increasing our family income. We hope that more groups will also be assisted by SAAD, and the program will be sustained by the Department of Agriculture. Even if we are beginners in egg layer production, we have learned many things because of the training given to us by SAAD. We learned how to manage layer chicken production to earn income.)
Tito L. Cidro, member of BFA also expressed his gratitude, “Damo po nga salamat han training nga iyo hinatag ha amon DA-SAAD, dako po ine nga bulig para han proyekto nga hinatag niyo ng Egg-Layer Production ha amon. Damo po an amon nahibaruan.”
(Thank you so much for this training on Egg-Layer Production provided by DA-SAAD, this is a tremendous help for the project you have given to us. We have learned so much.)
After the training, a site visit by SAAD Eastern Samar Area Coordinators was conducted in the communal areas of SOMa on April 29, 2022, and of BFA on May 13, 2022.
With this, SAAD Eastern Samar is deeply grateful for the active participation of partner farmer-beneficiaries in the training, and the continuous support of different stakeholders from both LGUs in making sure that the conduct of livelihood training is a success. ###
Writer: Val Frank Ivan G. Camartin, SAAD Eastern Samar Project Development Officer
