The Department of Agriculture – Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program recently conducted a training on Poultry Disease Management and Prevention to help farmer-beneficiaries in Brgy. Bongdo and Brgy. Maribojoc, San Benito, Surigao del Norte on May 22–23, 2025.
Farmers from Bongdo SAAD Farmers Organization (BOSAFO) of Brgy. Bongdo and Nagkahiusang Gagmayng Mananagat sa Maribojoc, Inc. (NAGAMAMA) of Brgy. Maribojoc attended the training. The training helped the Farmers’ Associations to meet the demand for fresh eggs in their communities for daily use.
“The earlier we detect a disease, the faster we break the chain of transmission – awareness is our first line of defense,” said Dr. Jade Rosete, business owner of VetCares in Siargao Islands, during his sessions to both of the FAs stressing that having trained eyes that are keen enough to spot sudden abnormalities are crucial to control the mortality rates of the chickens.
Dr. Rosete added that “It’s the small, consistent actions that build strong defenses against diseases in a poultry farm,” highlighting that early detection and management shall happen on the beneficiary level so they can also coordinate sooner to their respective municipal livestock coordinator or veterinarian.
He also highlighted the importance of commitment among the members. Saying that rotational scheduling as caretakers will be beneficial for the farm to protect it from intruders such as unauthorized persons, and wild animals; outside elements such as weather and any changes in its environments.
“The scheduling of caretakers is also important to meet the feeding schedules, refilling of water to prevent heat stress, sanitation of the farm area, and spot the sudden behavioral and physical changes of the chickens,” he added.
“The training was important for every member for us to be aware and proactive in looking after our poultry farm. We need to be present and knowledgeable so we can sustain it,” said NAGAMAMA chairperson, Maria Mercedita Soriano.
BOSAFO chairperson, Danilo Baldos Sr. also thanked the program for the activity, saying “this training was a good reminder for the things that we already know but tend to overlook in managing our farm.”
Projects updates
SAAD Area Coordinator Hazel Mae R. Moron shared that the FAs’ records show that from January to May 2025, BOSAFO earned Php 234,894.00 by selling 28,365 eggs. NAGAMAMA earned Php 192,545.00 by selling 21,990 eggs. Both groups continue to grow their production and sales in 2023.
In managing the income earnings of each group, the respective treasurer and auditor of each FAs work together in ensuring the funds from retailing are safely kept and FA monthly dues are regularly collected. Also, to properly record the ins and outs of their money when utilized for their operational costs. These practices are applied to ensure the transparency of funds and the equal distribution of fund sharing every end of the year.
Moving forward, the program will continue to empower these FAs with technical knowledge and support for them to achieve long-term sustainability and establish their respective Community-Based Enterprise (CBE) fulfilling the ultimate goal of the program.
