January 29, 2024

Philippines' agriculture department unit enlists Romblon farmers into egg production project

A group of farmers in Barangay Tubigon — in Ferrol, Romblon, the Philippines — were selected by the country's Department of Agriculture (DA) – Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) to be the beneficiaries of an egg production project.

Earlier this month, the DA provided 290 ready-to-lay chickens to the Tubigon Planters Association, which has 25 members, most of whom are housewives. In December, they received chicken cages, sacks of feeds, and vitamins worth ₱800,080 (US$14,209).

In an interview with PIA Romblon, association vice president Suzette Llorca shared that association members worked together to build their poultry farm on a lot owned by one of its members.

Within a month, they harvested 4,140 eggs which they were able to sell for ₱200-300 (US$3.55-5.33) per tray. Members and residents of the barangay directly buy eggs from them.

"I am very thankful to the DA because this will be the beginning of the income source for the people of Tubigon," said Llorca. "Our members will learn from this, that with just a little knowledge, people can have a livelihood. Before, people hesitated about these things, but now, it's a breakthrough for us that we can have projects like this to start our livelihoods and provide financial needs for our children."

The association plans to sell eggs throughout Ferrol and neighboring towns on Tablas Island should their production increase further and exceed the needs of their fellow residents.

- Philippine Information Agency