DINAGAT ISLANDS, September 4, 2023 – Boosting local egg production as a livelihood source in the Province of Dinagat Islands, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Caraga funded five communal Egg Layer Production Projects for 132 farmers in Tubajon, Dinagat, and Libjo.

Under SAAD Phase 2, five farmers’ associations (FAs) each received 192 ready-to-lay pullets, 105 bags of feed, egg trays, drugs and biologics, and other inputs of the communal project worth Php 1,161,700.

The projects were turned over to the FAs in a ceremony on August 14, 17, and 25 at the project sites with the presence of implementing partners in the Municipal and Provincial Local Government Units. Table 1. Egg Production Project recipients in Dinagat Islands

SAAD Provincial Implementing Sub-cluster in Dinagat Islands, led by Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) Rey U. Frias, facilitated the activity in coordination with the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) led by Provincial Agriculturist Rico Galinato and Provincial Veterinarian Aimee Jimeno.

In his message during the turnover in Libjo on August 25, APCO Rey U. Frias encouraged the FAs to firm up their organizational policies as they are the foundation for effective daily operations and decision-making. Provincial Agriculturist Rico Galinato also suggested diversifying their commodities aside from layer chicken to secure access to sufficient food year-round. PA Galinato recommended eggplant, squash, bitter gourd, among others. 

Ms. Cherry Mae Senangute, chairperson of women-led Doña Helen Women Sewing Growers Association, expressed gratitude to the Program for the communal project they received, saying it proves that women are now entrusted with livelihood projects and recognized for their valuable contributions to agricultural development.

“Sa una ang babae, babae lang gyud minus ang parte sa community. Pero karon dako ang among garbo nga napansin ug ginasaligan na gyud ang mga kababaihan pinaagi sa mga proyekto. Daghang salamat, DA-SAAD Program,” said Ms. Senangute. 

(Before, women had limited roles in the community. But now we are proud to have been recognized and entrusted with projects like this. Thank you, DA-SAAD Program.)

Provincial Veterinarian Aimee Jimeno echoed the same in her message and cited a United Nations study that when rural women have access to additional sources of income, there is a progressive development in socio-economic conditions, such as child nutrition, health, education. Dr. Jimeno commended the Program for giving equal importance to farmers’ associations, especially those managed by women.

As found during the Beneficiary Needs Assessment (BNA) conducted by the Program, members of the associations are interested in engaging in Egg Production Projects given the limited supply and high cost, making the commodity in demand in their respective communities. 

The Chicken Situation Report (2022) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) presents that the volume of egg production in the Province of Dinagat Islands is estimated at 68 metric tons in 2022, down by -42% from 2021’s 118 metric tons. 

Aside from providing additional income, with the establishment of the projects, the Program contributes to addressing the low volume of eggs produced in the province, thereby increasing access to affordable food in the community. ###

Writer: Mark Angelo C. Pineda, DA-SAAD Caraga Information Officer