In an effort to enhance livelihood opportunities among local farmers, ninety-four (94) poultry raisers from three municipalities in Romblon strengthened their knowledge in chicken and duck production through a series of specialized trainings conducted by the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) MIMAROPA on April 21, 23, and 24.
As beneficiaries of chicken production projects under SAAD Program Phase II in the municipalities of Santa Maria and Alcantara, farmer associations — Concepcion Sur Farmers and Fisherfolks Association and Paroyhog Farmers and Fisherfolks Association in Santa Maria, and Alcantara Livestock and Poultry Producers and Marketing Association (ALPPAMA) and Kadalag-an Farmers Association in Alcantara — participated in a Specialized Training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Post-Harvest Handling for Chicken Meat.
The participants enhanced their knowledge on safe and efficient chicken production through a training facilitated by April Joy Lota of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority – Romblon National Institute of Technology (TESDA-RNIT).
The sessions focused on food safety and post-harvest handling, including the importance of food safety in poultry production and the principles of Good Manufacturing Practices to ensure quality and hygiene standards. It also covered existing food safety laws and potential risks and hazards in chicken processing, equipping beneficiaries with practical measures to prevent contamination.
Through hands-on activities, farmers learned proper post-harvest handling techniques aimed at improving product quality, safeguarding consumer health, and increasing the marketability of their poultry products.
Meanwhile, members of the Pangulo Hog Growers Association from Calatrava participated in a Specialized Training on Salted Egg and Balut Production, as well as Value-Addition for Duck Products. The activity emphasized compliance with food safety and quality standards to ensure that products are safe, hygienic, and market-ready. Participants were also introduced to value-added duck products to help diversify income sources and increase profitability. By promoting entrepreneurship in duck farming and processing, the initiative aims to empower beneficiaries to establish sustainable small-scale enterprises and improve their economic well-being.
Mary Ann Falcutila, President of the Pangulo Hog Growers Association, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge they gained beyond the duration of the SAAD Program.
“Sana ay dalhin natin ang ating mga natutunan, na kung maghiwa-hiwalay man ang SAAD ay maia-apply natin ito sa ating sarili upang makita na tayo ay patuloy na nag-i-improve,” she said.
(Let us carry with us what we have learned, so that even if the SAAD Program eventually comes to an end, we can apply these on our own and show that we continue to improve.)
The training aims to equip SAAD beneficiaries with practical skills in salted egg and balut production, as well as in Good Manufacturing Practices and post-harvest handling for chicken meat, as part of strengthening the management of their livelihood interventions.
