MATI CITY, Davao Oriental - Native chicken production is among the agricultural interventions currently being studied by the provincial government to provide alternative livelihoods for small farmers and livestock raisers.

Earlier in August 2022, Governor Corazon N. Malanyaon met with her team from the Provincial Agriculture Office to discuss the potential of raising and producing native chicken on a commercial scale.

Provincial Consultant Retired Major General Reuben Basiao explained the details of the project, which involves the establishment of chicken multiplier farms that will later produce chickens to be dispersed to farmer-beneficiaries through the Pagkain at Kita Program.   

Provincial Agriculture Office Head Dr. Edito Sumile points out the need to consider mechanisms to ensure sustainable production and secure the quality of the produced poultry.

He also mentioned the activation of the Enterprise Development Unit to ensure the marketing aspect.

Governor Malanyaon has always emphasized that the province will adopt a market-driven approach in selecting and producing major crops and livestock. “We shall only produce what the market can absorb,” she said.

Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Eric Dagmang reported that the province has already started a chicken production project wherein the office conducts seminars and training and provides chicken to the farmers for production.

Through the proposed project, the province hopes to actively participate in the poultry industry in the region, which will help propel the province’s economic recovery and bring additional income to the small farmers.

Also present during the meeting were Provincial Administrator Maria Gracia Tiago and Provincial Consultants Dashiel Indelible and Romeo Celeste.  (PIO-Davao Oriental)