At least 28 farmer associations in the Province of Siquijor received 2,800 broiler chicks from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Each association received 100 broiler chicks packaged with five sacks of feeds (one sack of chick booster crumble, three sacks of broiler starter crumble, one broiler finisher crumble), one kilo water soluble vitamins, one sakolin roll, and one roll of range net.

This intervention is under the Quick Response Fund (QRF) which aims to help the poultry industry in the province recover from the damage brought by Typhoon Odette in 2021.

Dr. Zeam Voltaire, DA7 Livestock and Poultry focal person, said the intervention also aims to support the overall poultry meat production in the island given the current limitations in the inter-island transport of poultry products due to the threat of avian influenza.

Currently, Siquijor and Central Visayas remain free of the virus.

“We are hopeful that you will sustain the project, or if not, you will invest whatever income you may generate in another business enterprise, basta naa ra mo’y (as long as you have an) income generating livelihood,” said Voltaire.

He said the intervention is given as a start-up capital to the association to kick-start their enterprise.

He also encouraged the recipients to sustain the livelihood of poultry meat production.

Dr. Jhea Manginsay, OIC-provincial veterinarian, also encouraged the recipients to sustain the project and help ensure food security in the province.

Provincial Board Member and Committee Chair in Agriculture Leonardo Lingcay encouraged the associations to sustain the project as he promised to assist in the financial needs of the association if they decide to expand their poultry venture.

Lodie Maghinay, president of the Purok Sudlon Vegetable Growers Association, said they are thankful to DA for trusting them.

The association has 34 members and has received 50 broiler chicks in 2020 but was not able to sustain the project due to the plummeting prices of poultry meat brought by the pandemic, but was able to earn P8,000 from the sales.

Campalanas Women's Association and Bolos Farmers' Association, both newbies in poultry production, said they will try to sustain and take care of the project.

“Among kat-onon and pagpamuhi ani nga manok aron makadugang ug income sa among association, ug makatabang pud para aduna tay igong supply sa karneng manok sa probinsya (We will do our best to learn how to take care of broiler chickens to increase the income of our association and ensure poultry meat supply in the province)," vowed Joseph Teves, president of Bolos Farmers' Association.

As of December 2021, data from the Provincial Veterinary Office shows that there is enough supply of poultry meat in Siquijor at 915.54 metric tons vs. demand at 538.12 metric tons. (PR)