May 21, 2024

El Nino forces job cuts and egg supply issues on Bantayan Island, Philippines

15% of the 4,500 workers at poultry farms on Bantayan Island, a province in the Caraga region of the Philippines, have lost their jobs due to the extreme heat from El Nino, leading to a decrease in egg production and a reduction in the size of the chickens, with some dying off entirely, Sunstar reported.

Joseph Allan Pastoril, president of the Bantayan Island Livestock and Hog Raisers Association, said the production of eggs decreased, and the size of chickens also decreased. Others have resorted to selling.

Poultry farms on the island are facing significant financial losses, with 70% of their income spent on chicken feeds and vitamins. Despite the low production, Pastoril noted that they are experiencing an oversupply of eggs on the island, following the shift to modular classes.

In April and May, when modular classes began, egg consumption dropped despite it being a quick and easy-to-prepare food. Governor Gwendolyn Garcia ordered the suspension of classes across Cebu province in April due to the high heat index that poses health risks to students. Cebu began to experience the intense heat on April 1.

Pastoril said they expect to recover from their losses by June when regular face-to-face classes resume. He is also not worried about the competition from Mindanao suppliers as Cebu and Negros have high demand for eggs. According to Pastoril, traders from Mindanao have been supplying Cebu for a long time now. They too are a contributor to the oversupply because of the limited local demand in their area. They distribute eggs across Visayas, selling them at lower prices. However, consumers complained that these less expensive eggs spoil within five days.

Each chicken costs between PHP 430 (US$7.39) and PHP 450 (US$7.73) and produces one egg per day. The price of a tray of eggs has dropped from PHP 180 (US$3.09) last year to PHP 170 (US$2.92) this year. To keep their businesses afloat, the farms are selling what they can at reduced prices. Farmers are seeking government subsidies for chicken feeds to help them recover from the crisis.

-      Sunstar