In a proactive move to protect their livelihood and sustain local food supply, the Pio del Pilar Farmers Association of Lapinig, Northern Samar has upgraded its poultry facility with a more durable layer house, reinforcing the stability of its egg production amidst the recurring weather disturbances.
The farmers association, composed of 20 active members, recently undertook the renovation as part of its continuing efforts to strengthen farm operations.
Originally constructed from nipa leaves and bamboo, the previous layer house offered limited protection against harsh environmental conditions. Recognizing the risks, the farmers prioritized upgrading the structure, such as better roofing, to improve animal health and sustain farm productivity.
The move comes as the region continues to face frequent typhoons, which often damage farm infrastructure and disrupt food production. By reinforcing their poultry housing, the association is taking a preventive step to shield their chickens from strong winds, heavy rains, and other climate-related threats.
The group is a beneficiary of the FY 2023 Egg Production project from the DA-SAAD Program valued at Php 1.9 million, through which they initially received 480 ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens that helped jumpstart their poultry enterprise.
From October 2023 to present, the farmers have worked collectively to improve productivity and efficiency, showing how organized communal efforts can result in tangible agricultural gains. Their initiative reflects a broader shift among smallholder groups toward adopting practical, climate-resilient solutions.
Notably, the renovation was funded entirely through the association’s own savings, amounting to Php 59,690. This reinvestment highlights the group’s financial discipline and commitment to long-term sustainability.
“Damo an amon pasasalamat ha DA-SAAD ha patuloy na pag suporta han amon samahan. Dahil han amon kita ha manokan naka-tirok kmi para mas pag tibayon an amon egg production ngan mag-iha pa ine na amon pangkabuhayan,” expressed Teodoro B. Dulfo, association president.
[We are grateful to DA-SAAD for their continued support of our association. We were able to save money from our income in the poultry project. We will definitely use our savings to expand our production for long-term sustainability.]
With the improved layer house, the farmers expect to provide a safer and more conducive environment for their egg-laying chickens. This is projected to result in more consistent production and fewer losses due to environmental stress.
As the Pio del Pilar Farmers Association strengthens its poultry operations, it sets an example for other rural groups that with the right vision, cooperation, and resourcefulness, small-scale farmers can build resilience and secure their livelihoods in the face of climate change. ###
Source: Luis Antonio C. Daclag, PPMSO Northern Samar
