To prepare women farmers to establish and operate their first layer poultry enterprise, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Davao conducted a two-day specialized training for the Abuyu-an Rural Women’s Association last February 12–13 in Barangay Mahan-ub, Baganga.
The activity provided the association with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage their upcoming Layer Chicken Production Project, through which the group is set to receive 325 ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens. A total of 25 members participated in the training, which is part of the program’s capacity-building efforts to ensure the group is fully prepared for project turnover and implementation.
The SAAD Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Unit facilitated the training, with Rodolfo Paraz Palparan II, Sales Technician of Perfect Milling Company, and Honey Kim C. Comighud, Agricultural Technologist and SAAD Focal Person at the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO), serving as resource speaker.
The first day focused on lectures covering essential aspects of poultry enterprise management, including production efficiency, animal health, farm management, biosecurity, environmental sanitation, and record-keeping. On the second day, participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations and field-based learning to reinforce proper farm practices.
Emphasizing the importance of the activity, Palparan encouraged the participants to maximize the knowledge gained: “Importante kaayo ning training kay mao ni ang pundasyon sa inyong kalampusan sa pagdumala sa inyong layer project. Kung sakto ang inyong pag-atiman ug pag-manage, masiguro ninyo ang taas nga produksyon ug dugay nga kita sa inyong asosasyon.”
(This training is very important because it serves as the foundation for your success in managing your layer project. With proper care and management, you can ensure high production and sustained income for your association.)
On the second day, SAAD FPL Unit Staff Aurish Calawen, conducted site validation and an actual demonstration on biosecurity protocols and farm readiness. The activity aided the association’s preparations prior to the delivery of the RTL stocks and provided guidance on standard preventive measures. More importantly, Abuyu-an Rural Women’s Association is also targeted as the pilot farmer association under SAAD Davao to fully implement biosecurity practices in layer production.
Calawen underscored the critical role of strict farm protection measures: “Importante jud na ipractice ug iadopt nato ang biosecurity tungod kay mao ni ang unang depensa batok sa sakit nga makapahuyang o makamatay sa manok. Kung disiplinado ang tanan sa pagsunod sa mga protocol, malikayan nato ang dakong pagkawala sa produksyon. Ang maayong biosecurity dili lang para sa karon, kundi para sa padayon ug lig-on nga operasyon sa inyong proyekto,” said Calawen.
(It is important to practice and adopt biosecurity because it serves as the first line of defense against diseases that can weaken or kill the chickens. If everyone strictly follows the protocols, major production losses can be avoided. The good practice of biosecurity is not only for today but for the sustained and stable operation of your project.)
The field demonstration included proper disinfection systems, housing sanitation, ventilation checks, waste management, pest control, facility inspection, preparation of feeding and watering systems, and farm access control.
The activity marks the first specialized training on layer production management conducted by DA-SAAD Davao for 2026, reinforcing the program’s commitment to building technically prepared and enterprise-ready farmer organizations toward sustainable community-based enterprises. ###
