To support food availability and livelihood development in geographically isolated island of Algeciras, the Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) MIMAROPA extended ready-to-lay chicken production assistance to Central Algeciras Farmers Association (CAFA).
The association received interventions amounting to Php 1,236,796, which included 300 heads of RTL chickens, egg trays, an egg weighing scale, a foot bath tray, RTL cages, partial delivery of 100 bags of feeds, and other essential production inputs.
Due to its island location and reliance on sea transport, Barangay Algeciras continues to experience constraints in market access and regular food supply. During the 2024 Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA), the association identified RTL chicken (egg) production as a suitable intervention under the SAAD Program’s 2025 expansion in the region.
The project aims to improve supply of farm-fresh eggs within the community and establish a reliable income source for the association. Prior to the distribution of inputs, the members completed training on RTL chicken production and organizational management. These training sessions provided them with essential skills in effective and efficient project management.
As part of its management strategy and counterpart commitment, CAFA constructed the chicken coop and adopted a rotational care system, under which members alternately tend the chickens based on an agreed schedule.
Association President Hilda B. Manalon expressed appreciation for the assistance and highlighted its importance in meeting the community’s need for food and livelihood.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa proyektong ipinagkatiwala sa amin ng SAAD kahit sobrang layo ng aming isla. Pinapangako po naming palalaguin namin ito para kumita at makatulong sa aming komunidad,” she said.
[We are grateful for the project entrusted to us by SAAD even though our island is very remote. We promise to develop it to earn income and support our community.]
Once full production begins, CAFA targets an output of seven (7) to eight (8) trays of eggs daily, with distribution planned within the island and surplus sales directed to mainland Agutaya.
