ZAMBOANGA DEL NORTE, November 11, 2022 – A mass distribution of farm inputs support to the existing Layer Chicken-Egg Production Project benefited 13 farmers’ associations (FAs) of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program where Php 10,872,769 worth of layer chicken and feeds for 400 FA members and poultry raisers were granted. 

The interventions include 161 modules (48 head of chicken per module) or 7,728 ready-to-lay (RTL) pullets, and 915 bags of Layer Crumble feeds under FY 2022.

These will be the last inputs under the Layer Chicken-Egg Production Project in the province for the implementation of the first phase of the Program, while the newly-identified FAs for FY 2022 are still preparing for the delivery of native chickens under the Native Chicken Raising Project.

Table 1. Interventions received by 13 FAs under the Layer Chicken-Egg Production Project 2022

With harmonious leadership, and extensive efforts from FA members and implementers, the Layer Chicken-Egg Production project has shown significant contribution to the existing beneficiaries in the province. The farmers have developed a sense of ownership and responsibility and also had a share of benefits in monetary form that has improved their living conditions, thus the expansion of the project was provided to the associations.

The provision of said interventions aims to produce a sufficient supply of eggs in the whole province.

For instance, the D. Riconalla Farmers Association in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte initially received the first batch of 20 modules of layer chickens last October 2019 and another 10 modules last May 2021. Managing 30 modules or 1,440 chickens, the FA has accumulated a gross income of Php 7 million, with a net income of Php 2.4 million in three years’ time. From the income generated, the FA has managed to fully replenish the 30 modules of original stocks for the 2nd cycle and expand the project by purchasing additional 32 modules of RTLs. In 2020, D. Riconalla FA is recognized as a fully established community-based enterprise and the FA is currently on its third cycle of production.  

They also upgraded their poultry house by replacing their ceiling from a nipa hut to a galvanized sheet-iron roofing to ensure its durability and extended their house to a larger area to provide the chickens a more comfortable place which will increase productivity. 

Former Municipal Mayor of Labason, Eddie T. Quimbo who was present during the delivery to show support also testified on the impact of the egg industry established by New Salvacion Farmers Association and Balas Farmers Association and the need to provide expansion due to the increasing demand of eggs in the municipality.

“Sauna hatdan mi nila ug binulto nga itlog sa amoang tindahan pero karon dili na mi mahatdan kay mahurot diretso sa mga mamalitay nga moanhi mismo sa poultry. Nakita namo nga importante adunay supplier sa itlog diri sa Labason kay aduna tay upat (4) ka eskwelahan public ug private ug itlog jud ang ma dali-dali ug palit sa mga ginikanan kay aside sa barato, daghan pag sustansya makuha,” he stated.

(When the project just started, they delivered eggs in bulk to our sari-sari (retail) store, but now they can no longer cater to us because they have gained regular customers who go directly to the poultry (site) to buy eggs. We have seen the importance of having egg suppliers here in Labason because we have four (4) private and public schools and eggs are the most affordable and nutritious food we can prepare for our children.)

Both FAs received 10 modules of chickens each last May 2021. Currently on its first cycle of production, Balas FA earned a gross income of Php 74,710 from the month of October 2022 alone from selling 7,756 eggs while maintaining Php 91,229 cash in the bank and Php 25,211 cash on hand. 

The New Salvacion FA also sold 8,250 eggs, making Php 57,492 gross income for October 2022 as well. They have Php 126,825 in the bank and Php 96,984 cash on hand. As the layer chickens are reaching their 18th month of productivity, they are due for culling this November 2022 and the FAs will purchase new stocks of chickens as replenishment.

While all the other beneficiaries are existing FAs of the DA-SAAD, the Lunday FA with 25 members is a newly-identified beneficiary of the Program who mainly cultivate corn and rice as main livelihood. 

As SAAD comes closer to the end of its Phase 1 implementation, SAAD will endorse the Lunday FA to the Banner Programs of DA and other stakeholders as Sibuco is no longer covered in the Program’s Phase 2 implementation.

Overall, the Layer Chicken-Egg Production Project of the Program in Zamboanga del Norte provided additional livelihood opportunities to its beneficiaries and also gave the residents of Zamboanga del Norte a supply of fresh, affordable, and accessible eggs in the province. Meanwhile, SAAD continues to uphold its mission and commitment to developing marginalized Filipino communities through the creation of sustainable livelihood opportunities that best fit the needs of farmers in the community.

For SAAD’s commencement of Phase 2, aside from Zamboanga del Norte,  Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Sur will be covered starting 2023. ###

Writer: Aimee Lou D. Madjus, DA-SAAD Zamboanga del Norte Information Officer