SOUTH COTABATO, November 12, 2024 — In a continued effort to uplift the agricultural sector in remote and marginalized areas, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area of Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Soccsksargen has rolled out the Mallard Duck Production Project to 4 SAAD farmer associations (FAs) in Cotabato Province.

The Program distributed a total of 560 mallard ducks which costs Php 320,000 along with 70 bags of feed which are estimated to last for 7 to 8 months. Said interventions benefited the Makalangot Farmers Association, Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Magpet, Idaoman Rural Improvement Club and Malapang Rural Improvement Club. These FAs, composed primarily of small-scale farmers and rural residents, stand to benefit significantly from the additional resources, which aim to enhance their ability to produce and generate income.

Conducted last September 24 to 25, the activity was spearheaded by the SAAD Regional Program Management Support Office (RPMSO), with the assistance of the SAAD Provincial Program Management Support Office (PPMSO) staff. Veterinarian II Dr. Amena H. Ubagan supervised the distribution and inspected the mallard ducks before their release to the farmers to ensure the quality and health of the livestock. Their involvement ensured that the ducks were healthy and ready for their new environment, thereby reducing the risk of early losses.

Each FA President expressed their deep gratitude for the support extended by SAAD, seeing the project as an opportunity to strengthen not only their livelihoods but also their communities as a whole. Further, the farmers voiced their commitment to maintaining and expanding the project.

During the activity, President of the RIC of Magpet Elsa L. Taran highlighted the group’s plans for the future, emphasizing the long-term benefits the Mallard Duck Production Project can bring.

“We plan to increase the number of ducks we received from SAAD. The income from this project will be used to help all the members of our association. It will also provide significant support to our daily lives once we start earning from the mallard duck,” said Ms. Taran.

Similarly, President of the Idaoman RIC Mary Ann B. Aduana expressed a collective sentiment shared by the other recipients, recognizing its potential to transform their small community. 

“We are thankful for the Mallard Duck project given to us by SAAD. We will work hard to expand and grow it for the benefit of our group. The RIC of Idaoman is very grateful for the support provided by SAAD.” 

The distribution of mallard ducks is part of Program’s mission to promote sustainable agricultural practices and resources to marginalized farming communities in the region. Considering that ducks are known to be resilient and easy to manage, the Mallard Duck Production Project is said to be a practical choice for SAAD beneficiaries. Aside from the fact that the ducks could provide eggs and meat, they can also contribute to pest control on farmlands, as they consume insects and weeds, offering a natural way to manage pests without the need for chemical interventions. This makes the project an excellent fit for the sustainable farming practices encouraged by SAAD. ###

Writer: Vincent Rae T. Porras, DA12-SAAD IO