The Linao Vegetable and Crop Growers Association (LVCGA) in Barangay Linao, Calatrava sustained its vegetable and ready-to-lay (RTL) egg production under the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program Phase 2 despite the ongoing dry spell and extreme heat affecting the province.
To cope with limited water supply, DA-SAAD MIMAROPA Community Development Officer (CDO) II Ian Von A. Yadao reported that the group dug a seven-foot-deep water source and used a borrowed electric pump to fill drums placed around the garden. Members also adjusted their work schedule to early morning and late afternoon to avoid extreme heat.
The association expanded its communal garden from about 300 square meters in 2024 to 1,229.52 square meters. The area was planted with okra, eggplant, corn (lagkitan), and chili, using staggered planting to ensure continuous harvest.
Eleven (11) active members managed the garden through a plot assignment system, where each member was responsible for maintenance, harvesting, and marketing.
Meanwhile, the association sustained its RTL egg production, with 186 chickens laying during the period. Based on March data, Batches 1 and 2 produced a total of 4,942 eggs, with a laying rate of 85 to 89 percent. Breakage remained low at 0.97 to 2 percent.
The project generated a net income of Php 336,829.30 in 2025. From January to March 2026, the association recorded an additional Php 70,282.
According to CDO Yadao, the flock remained in good condition due to proper feeding, controlled lighting, and adequate ventilation. The poultry house, located near a spring, continued to provide sufficient water supply.
To prepare for a new batch of RTL chickens, the association constructed an additional 16-by-5-meter poultry house, which was already 70 percent complete at the time of reporting. Built using coco lumber, bamboo, and galvanized roofing, the structure was designed to improve ventilation and support efficient waste management. Chicken manure was set to be processed into organic fertilizer for use in the communal garden.
The facility was built on land provided by a member, with plans to formalize the arrangement through an agreement.
LVCGA President Lucille M. Falcutila shared that the projects provided strong support to their livelihood.
“Kami po ay mga ordinaryong mamamayan na ang ikinabubuhay ay pangingisda at pagsasaka. Ang kinikita po namin ay hindi sapat sa pangangailangan ng aming pamilya. Dahil po sa programang inyong inilunsad, napakalaking tulong po ito sa amin dahil kahit paano ay nabawasan ang aming kahirapan sa pamamagitan ng aming mga tanim na gulay at mga inaaning itlog,” she said.
(We are ordinary citizens whose livelihood is fishing and farming. Our income is not enough for the needs of our family. Because of the program you launched, this is a very big help to us because somehow our hardship has been lessened through our vegetable crops and harvested eggs.)
She added that they are committed to sustaining and expanding the project entrusted to them.
“Nangangako po kami na gagawin namin ang lahat para mapalago pa ito at makatulong sa mas marami pang nangangailangan ng kabuhayan. Maraming salamat po sa SAAD Program!”
(We promise that we will do our best to further enhance this and to extend help to more people in need of livelihood. Thank you very much to the SAAD Program!)
LVCGA sells its produce within the community and in nearby barangays. The group has also helped meet the municipality’s demand for fresh vegetables and farm-fresh eggs at affordable prices.
