WESTERN SAMAR, May 25, 2023 – Another farmers’ association in Samar, beneficiary of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 1, recorded 46, 860 pieces of egg harvest for the 5th month of production cycle,  earning Php 339,964.00.

Organized in June 2022, the Bonadeyo Chicken Egg Layers Association with 32 members mostly grow vegetables and raise poultry animals as sources of household food consumption, just enough for their needs. 

After a needs assessment conducted by the SAAD staff in coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of San Jose De Buan, the findings show that Brgy. Poblacion 4 has a limited supply of eggs since their location is two (2) hours away from the town proper and public transportation is limited.

In October 2022, the group received the Egg Layer Production Project worth Php 859,000.00 (FY 2022), which includes 480 ready to lay chicken, with 150 bags of layer feeds, 2 units of egg weighing scale, 2,000 pieces of egg trays, and training on poultry production and management. The project was provided in support of the vegetable production of the group.

Egg production as an enterprise 

Determined to launch their agribusiness, the group provided a 60-square-meter communal farm in Poblacion 4, San Jose De Buan, Samar as a counterpart to the livelihood grant.

From November 2022 to March 2023, the project produced more than 46K fresh eggs for marketing. As a partially-established community based enterprise (CBE), the group accumulated a total of Php 339,964 gross income from selling chicken eggs within their community. Meanwhile, the group utilized Php 137, 258.00 for their operational expenses that include electricity bill and incentives for each member. 

According to the members, fresh eggs were sold depending on egg size variations, ranging from Php 200.00 to Php 270.00 per tray. 

Table 1. Income generated from egg production

To date, the FA is planning to purchase an additional 200 head of chickens to earn bigger income and eventually establish a farm store in the locality of  San Jose De Buan, Samar. Committed in assisting the group, representatives from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) will continue to monitor the project and offer technical assistance for the sustainability of the project.###

Writer: Jeric M. Afable, DA-SAAD Western Samar Area Coordinator