Farmers, local government officials, and development partners gathered in a convergence meeting organized by the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 to address market challenges faced by layer chicken egg producers and explore strategies to sustain the growing egg industry on Olutanga Island.
Held on May 28, 2026, in the Municipality of Olutanga, the activity brought together key stakeholders from the municipalities of Olutanga, Mabuhay, and Talusan. The meeting was attended by Olutanga Vice Mayor Arnerl Joy Ruste, members of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture from the three municipalities, farmer-beneficiaries, and representatives from various government programs and partner agencies.
Participating in the convergence were six farmer associations (FAs) that are beneficiaries of the SAAD Layer Chicken Egg Production Project, namely the Villagonzalo Farmers Association and Kahayagan Farmers Association from Olutanga; Bolingan Farmers Association and Aurora Farmers Association from Talusan; and Sto. Niño Farmers Association and Bagong Silang Farmers Association from Mabuhay.
Also joining the discussion were the Fama Malipayon Sustainable Livelihood Program Association (SLPA) and Solid Group Association from Olutanga, both beneficiaries of the Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as well as a private poultry farm owned by Ms. Elizabeth P. Viajante.
The meeting was led by SAAD Zamboanga Peninsula Operational Planning, Budget, Monitoring, and Evaluation (OPBME) Lead Engr. Nadzmar Abdulatip together with SAAD sub-unit leads Ms. Reena Marie Clemente of the Marketing Assistance and Enterprise Development (MAED) Unit, Ms. Catherine Aranton of the Social Preparation and Program Management (SPPM) Unit, and Ms. Ellaine Agum of the Food Production and Livelihood (FPL) Unit, SAAD Area Coordinators Mr. Alkhartemar Sangkula and Roque Dulutallas. Also present were Mr. Bayani Valencia from the DA-Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division (AMAD), Ms. Caryl Dorothy Tan from the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program, and Ms. Desiree B. Arriola, Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) of Zamboanga Sibugay.
At the center of the discussion was a long-standing concern raised by local egg producers. Despite maintaining a steady supply of fresh eggs, many farmers struggle to sell their products because eggs from outside the island, particularly those transported from neighboring provinces, are often sold at lower prices.
As a result, local producers are forced to match the lower market prices even when production costs are higher. This reduces their earnings and, in some cases, leaves unsold eggs that eventually spoil, causing losses to farmer associations that rely on egg production as a major source of income.
One farmer participant shared that the challenge goes beyond competition.
“Dili man mi nangayo nga kami lang ang makabaligya. Ang among hangyo lang unta kay tagaan og oportunidad ang lokal nga mga mag-uuma nga mahalin una ang among preskong itlog aron magpadayon ang among proyekto ug dili mausik ang among paningkamot,” said Mr. Benjamin Lumactod, President of Kahayagan FA.
(We are not asking to be the only sellers. We are simply hoping that local farmers will be given the opportunity to sell their fresh eggs first so that our projects can be sustained and the fruits of our hard work will not go to waste.)
Data presented by the SAAD MAED Unit showed that the six (6) SAAD-supported farmer associations currently account for around 85 percent of the island’s egg production, while private poultry farms contribute about 5 percent. Combined, local producers already supply approximately 90 percent of the island’s egg requirement.
The figures indicate that local production is already capable of meeting most of the demand within Olutanga Island, with only a small gap remaining. However, because of the open market system, local producers cannot restrict the entry of eggs from outside areas. Traders from other provinces are free to sell their products in the island, creating stiff competition and affecting the market share of local farmers.
Participants emphasized that prioritizing locally produced eggs would not only help sustain community enterprises but also keep income circulating within the island’s economy, support local livelihoods, and ensure consumers have access to fresh eggs produced and delivered within a shorter period.
To address these concerns, stakeholders agreed to strengthen collaboration among farmer groups, local government units, and national government agencies.
One of the key recommendations that emerged from the meeting was the federation of the six SAAD-supported farmer associations together with local poultry producers on the island, including private poultry operators. Through a unified organization, producers can consolidate supply, coordinate production schedules, strengthen bargaining power, establish stronger market linkages, and engage institutional buyers more effectively. The proposed federation is also expected to serve as a platform for collective decision-making and help ensure the long-term sustainability of egg production enterprises established through government interventions.
Meanwhile, local government officials expressed their commitment to exploring policy measures that will support local producers. Discussions included the possible passage of resolutions and ordinances encouraging the prioritization of locally produced eggs in public institutions, local establishments, and community markets across the island.
As an immediate response, stakeholders also discussed the issuance of a temporary Executive Order regulating the entry of eggs from outside provinces. Apart from providing temporary market relief to local producers, the measure was also considered a preventive action against the possible spread of avian influenza following reports of avian flu cases in nearby areas, including the municipality of Diplahan, which is geographically close to Olutanga Island.
Engr. Abdulatip emphasized that sustaining livelihood projects requires more than providing production inputs.
“Project success does not end with production. Farmers must also have reliable markets for their products. This convergence is an important step in bringing together stakeholders who can help ensure that the benefits of these projects continue long after the assistance has been provided,” he said.
The convergence meeting highlighted the importance of strong collaboration among farmer organizations, local government units, and development agencies in addressing common challenges. By working together to prioritize local products, strengthen market systems, and build lasting partnerships, stakeholders hope to establish a more resilient and sustainable egg industry that benefits both producers and consumers across Olutanga Island.#
