The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA distributed 2,800 ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens and essential poultry supplies worth more than Php 4 million to four (4) farmer associations in Romblon to strengthen their egg production enterprises under SAAD Program Phase 2.
Each association received 700 ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens and other production inputs during separate turnover activities held on September 2, 3, and 9.
Beneficiary associations include the Camili Vegetable Growers Association in Alcantara, Tubigon Planters Association in Ferrol, Linao Vegetable and Crops Growers Association in Calatrava, and Samahang Manggagawa ng Sampong in Concepcion.
The interventions increase egg production, reduce production costs, and provide the associations with additional income from their poultry enterprises.
Linao Vegetable and Crops Growers Association President Lucille M. Falcutila expressed gratitude for the assistance.
“Sa ngalan ng Linao Vegetable and Crop Growers Association, taos-puso akong nagpapasalamat sa pagkakataong ipinagkaloob sa atin sa pamamagitan ng RTL Chicken Project,” she said.
[On behalf of the Linao Vegetable and Crop Growers Association, I sincerely express my gratitude for the opportunity given to us through the RTL Chicken Project.]
For Samahang Manggagawa ng Sampong President Carl F. Fabregas, the additional chickens will help them increase their income and save funds for future livelihood activities.
“Maraming-maraming salamat po, lalong-lalo na po sa SAAD at nabigyan kami muli ng panibagong RTL. Makakadagdag po ito sa aming mga pagkakakitaan,” Fabregas said.
[Thank you very, very much, especially to SAAD, for giving us another batch of RTL. This will add to our sources of income.]
Local government officials also recognized the contribution of the SAAD interventions in improving the livelihood of their farmers and encouraged the beneficiary associations to manage their projects properly and work toward expanding their operations.
DA-MIMAROPA Regional Executive Director and SAAD Regional Focal Person Atty. Christopher R. Bañas emphasized the role of local government units in sustaining the projects under the Program.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa mga katuwang natin na LGUs dahil hindi naman magiging successful ang mga proyektong ibinababa natin sa mga komunidad kung wala ang buong pagtanggap at kooperasyon, hindi lamang ng mga benepisyaryo kundi ng lokal na pamahalaan,” Bañas said.
[We are grateful to our partner LGUs because the projects we bring to the communities would not be successful without the full acceptance and cooperation not only of the beneficiaries but also of the local government.]
RED Bañas said DA-SAAD will eventually turn over the FAs to their respective LGUs and urged local governments to continue providing guidance and support to help them sustain their enterprises.
The 2,800 RTL chickens distributed in Romblon comprise the first batch of 7,600 RTL chickens that DA-SAAD MIMAROPA will distribute to 11 organizations across Romblon, Palawan, and Occidental Mindoro this year.
The turnover rites were attended by Calatrava Mayor Engr. Robert M. Fabella, Alcantara Mayor Riza M. Pamorada, Municipal Agriculturist Alex John Galicia, Concepcion Municipal Agriculture Officer Micah F. Matucad, and representatives of the Calatrava and Ferrol Municipal Agriculture Offices, Erna Moreno and Julius Castillon.
Also present were Cezar Royo of the Provincial Veterinary Office and Romblon Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer Engr. Annaliza A. Escarilla.
DA-SAAD MIMAROPA led the distribution through Food Production and Livelihood Cluster Lead Engr. Maiden Marie M. Segui, Associate Project Officer I Jhonzell G. Panganiban, and Community Development Officers II Engr. Ian Gabo of Alcantara, Renny Fallasgon, Jr. of Ferrol, Ian Von Yadao of Calatrava, and Relan S. Sabac of Concepcion.
