CARAGA, June 21, 2024 – To support sustained productivity in the egg production project, the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 delivered bags of feed to 10 farmers’ associations (FAs) in Surigao del Norte from June 11 to 14, 2024. 

The delivery of layer feeds (crumble) was received by 250 members of various farmers’ associations: Union SAAD Farmers Association (USFA) in Tagana-an; Caridad Vegetable Association (CAVEA) in Pilar; United Farmers Association of Sta. Cruz (UFASAC) and Active Farmers Association of Magsaysay (AFAM) in General Luna; Bongdo SAAD Farmers Organization (BOSAFO) and Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mananagat sa Maribojoc, Inc. (NAGAMAMA) in San Benito; Makugihong Mag-uuma sa Katipunan (MMK) and Malipayon ug Mauswagong Mag-uuma sa Mahayahay (M4) in Del Carmen; and San Miguel United and Resilient Farmers (SMURF) and United Del Pilar Farmers Association (UDEPFASS) in San Isidro.

The distribution, valued at Php 973,700.00 was an additional livelihood intervention funded by the SAAD program FY 2024 to support rural farmers and boost the egg layer production project.

Before the distribution, the SAAD recipients received proper training in layer production, good agricultural practices, and poultry management. This training was aimed to better equip them in handling layer chickens, identifying diseases, and implementing preventive measures to reduce chicken mortality.

Through the program’s training, the FAs continue to strive for a well-managed egg layer production project. They learned proper feeding techniques, including the correct feed ratio (100-105 grams per chicken), water requirements (2 liters per kilogram of feed), and vitamin dosage (2 tablespoons per 4 liters of water).

“Mapasalamaton mi kay maka save mi sa libreng bahug sa mga manok, daghan salamat sa programa sa DA-SAAD sa kanunay nga pag suporta sa proyekto sa egg production. Among paningkamotan isip mga benepisyaryo nga palambuon pa ang proyekto aron makab-ot namo among tinguha nga mas mo taas pa among income ug makatabang sa tagsa-tagsa ka mga miyembro. Salamat Karajaw,” shared M4 Vice President Lilibeth E. Erong.

[We are grateful to the DA-SAAD program for their continuous support to the egg production project, we are able to save from buying feeds for chickens. We will do our best as recipients to develop the project, we aim to increase income and help each member of the association, thank you so much.]

To increase their profits, farmers’ associations aim to become the primary suppliers of eggs in their municipalities and provinces. Siargao Island, being a popular tourist destination, presents a significant market opportunity. Currently, some beneficiary groups are already supplying eggs to grocery stores, bakeries, and restaurants. 

As the farmers advance, SAAD implementers encourage them to strive for continuous development. This includes becoming fully established community-based enterprises (CBEs) and obtaining accreditation as civil society organizations (CSOs). ###

Writer: Shena Mae C. Pabia, DA-SAAD Caraga Regional Information Officer