A wave of celebration swept across the small island town of Maripipi as local farmers marked a major achievement — surpassing Php 1 million in egg sales through their community-based poultry project.
“Karong July, niabot na og total nga Php 1,087,823 ang amo gross sales,” Edwin Lucena, the association president proudly shared.
[This July, our gross sales reached a total of Php1,087,823.]
The Binalayan East Farmers and Fishermen Association (BEFFA), comprising 20 smallholder farmers and fisherfolk, has been steadily expanding its egg production enterprise for one year since its launch under the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program in 2024.
To kickstart their successful journey, the group received livelihood support on egg production worth Php1.7 million, which included layer hens, chicken feeds, and other biologics.
From 2024 up to mid-part this year, with a daily collection reaching 10-12 trays, the group recently reached the Php1-million mark in cumulative sales.
“Labaw pa sa kita – kini pagmatuod nga bisan ang usa ka gamay nga komunidad sa isla makatukod ug malungtarong panginabuhian nga adunay saktong suporta ug determinasyon,” expressed Mr. Lucena.
[This is more than just the income — it’s about proving that even a small island community like ours can build a sustainable livelihood with the right support and determination.]
The association started with 480 ready-to-lay hens and has since expanded its flock by purchasing 196 more chickens and other investments for the farm. The egg products were marketed locally and sold to nearby barangays, helping supply affordable protein to rural communities in the island.
According to their treasurer, the earnings were spent on feed supplies, business expansion, as well as on a savings fund aimed at purchasing a permanent farm lot. Members also receive dividends as a reward for their labor contributions.
“Ang amo man gud target kay maka-1,000 nga manok mi karong tuiga so ang amoang income gitigom aron makapalit og dugang nga manok,” said Ma. Luisa Lucena, BEFFA treasurer.
[Our target is to reach 1,000 chickens this year, hence we set aside a part of our income for buying additional stocks.]
Town Mayor Joseph Canonoy Caingcoy also praised the farmers for their discipline and resilience. “This is an example of what community cooperation can achieve. We hope their success inspires other island barangays to explore agriculture as a path to local development.”
With Php 327,118.00 as current savings, the Binalayan East Farmers and Fishermen Association is now planning to explore additional livelihood ventures such as swine raising and vegetable gardening. ###
