The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program Phase 2 in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) turned over table egg production projects to 11 farmers’ associations (FAs) in Abra from February to March 2025.
The recipients were the Maliksi Farmers Association in San Ramon East, Manabo; Supiil Multi-Crop Farmers Association in Supiil, San Juan; Rimat Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Baug, San Juan; Dur-as Rural Improvement Club in Ap-apaya, Villaviciosa; Dalimag Norte Farmers Irrigators Association Inc. in Dalimag, San Isidro; Paganao Farmers Association in Paganao, Lagangilang; Dalnatan Farmers’ Association in Salucag, Dolores; Sitio Callunay-Bitnong Gunglo Ti Mannalon in Malapaao, Langiden, and Dulao Farmers Association in Dulao, Malibcong.
Each association received a package to support their layer chicken farming endeavors, which included 100 layer chickens, 23 bags of feeds, a set of poultry cages, and a complete poultry housing unit.
The total project cost of Php 9,452,410 already encompassed not only these essential physical resources, but also included training sessions for the farmers. These sessions were designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills for the effective management and proper care of the layer chickens, ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of their poultry projects.
Unlike the other associations, the Dulao Farmers Association did not receive a poultry housing unit as they already have an existing facility that could cater up to 250 heads. The association is set to receive SAAD’s expansion support in FY 2027.
FA presidents, alongside their members, expressed their gratitude and pledged their commitment to ensuring success of the project.
“Awatek garud daytoy nga responsibilidad nga mang-aywan dagitoy manok nga naited kanyami ken pati jay panagkaykaysami as association, naimpusuan a panagyamanmi iti Department of Agriculture, OMAg, ken dagidiay oopisyales nga nangited daytoy nga proyekto, ket dawatenmi met lang pay kuma nga han yu pay dakami ib-ibatan enggana kabaelan min to nga tumakder,” said Arlene Balneg, president of the Supiil Multi-Crop Farmers Association.
(We take full responsibility for managing the chickens entrusted to us, as well as for fostering unity within our association. From the bottom of our hearts, we are grateful to the Department of Agriculture, OMAG, and the officials who provided this project. We hope for your continued support until we can stand on our own.)
Representing DA-SAAD CAR during the turnover events were Operations Officer Marlyn Tejero, Assistant Operations Officer Ronan Soriano, Abra Agricultural Program Coordination Officer (APCO) Dr. Rosemarie Tesoro, and the concerned Community Development Officers. They encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the project’s benefits to improve their livelihoods which in effect would enhance their quality of lives in the long run.
“I trust that even after SAAD’s involvement concludes in 2028, these associations will thrive and sustain their developments,” said Tejero.
Soriano, for his part, encouraged all associations to commit to managing this table egg project because it can serve as a financial lifeline during difficult times, rather than resorting to loans with interest.
“Start small, dream big. Work together as one, and pray for the success of this endeavor,” said Soriano.
Officials from municipal and barangay offices, provincial and municipal veterinary offices, and municipal agriculture offices, who also attended the turnover ceremonies, pledged their continued support for the SAAD beneficiaries.
More layer chickens, feed supplies, and poultry housing expansions are set for distribution this year and the coming years to support associations who are seeking to increase their egg production and market supply. ###
