BOHOL, January 18, 2024 – Six (6) farmers associations (FAs) in Bohol started chicken farming after they received the 1,632 ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens, which is part of the FY 2023 Integrated Chicken Egg with High-Value Crops Production Project of the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Central Visayas, on December 30, 2023.

To support and sustain production of chicken eggs in their local communities, the FAs received thirty-two (32) modules, all  totaling Php 2,352,800. Bontud Farmers Association from Clarin received 480 chickens, Bangon Danggay Farmer Association from Albuquerque, New Lourdes Farmers Association, and San Roque Cortes  Farmers Association from Cortes were given 288 chickens each, while 144 chickens were distributed to both Tangcasan Sur Farmers Association from Loay,  and Jambawan Farmers Association from Lila, Bohol. Each group has 25 members who took turns in managing their communal poultry farm. 

Before the distribution of inputs, using the association’s funds and other support construction materials from the Local Government Units (LGUs), the FAs built chicken housing in their communal poultry farms as their counterpart to the project. The distribution ceremony was led by the SAAD staff together with the LGU staff, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian (OPV), and DA Bohol Ubay Stock Farm Station.

Science Research Specialist Edu Escudero inspected the quantity and health of the chickens. Based on the production age of the RTL chickens, the farmers will start harvesting fresh eggs three to four weeks from the time of distribution.

The associations are grateful to DA-SAAD, hence, expressed their commitment to sustain and improve the projects. For them, these projects will give a big contribution to their livelihood and contribute to the overall improvement of their community.

Mr. Reynaldo O. Alisaca, President of Bontud Farmers Association, said that he and his members were  grateful and happy that the interventions had finally arrived.

“Dako namong pasalamat nga nia na, niabot na ang maong tabang gikan sa SAAD. Kini nga project, amo ning ampingan ug paningkamutan nga mulambo pa ni [We would like to express our big thanks to the SAAD for providing us help. We will do our best for the success of these projects],” Mr. Alisaca shared.

Looking forward, the 6 FAs plan to save their income from the chicken egg production projects and allocate a portion of it for other value-adding business ventures once the chickens start laying eggs. ###

Writer: Jessica R. Alvero, DA-SAAD Central Visayas Information Officer 
Sources: Darwin Boncales, SAAD Bohol Provincial Coordinator and Ma. Reigelyn Malarijes, SAAD Bohol Area Coordinator