The once fear-crippled village of Bucnit in Quirino, Ilocos Sur, has undergone a remarkable transformation since the implementation of the Philippine Army’s Community Support Program (CSP) in 2021.
By addressing the root causes of conflict and fostering trust within the community, the CSP created an environment conducive to development.
Once plagued by the presence of communist rebels, the community now has found peace and prosperity through poultry farming.
On September 10, 2021, the residents organized the “Bucnit Egg Laying Association” to boost egg production in the community with support from the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
With members from low-income families and farmers, their goal was to create an additional source of income and make a positive impact by donating eggs to the community.
In 2022, the association received raw materials and tools worth P166,043 from the labor department as start-up capital for its egg-laying project through the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP) or the Kabuhayan Program.
Since then, there has been an increase in the average sales per month, ranging between P5,000 and P8,000.
With this, residents get their eggs at a cheaper price than in the public market.
Erlina Abel, president of the association, said they not only focus on egg production but also provide lending services to its members, which began in October 2023.
They also use chicken manure from their production area as fertilizer for their vegetable garden, from where they get the crops they sell to Kadiwa stores in the cities of Vigan and Candon.
She said, “Hindi namin nakakalimutang magbigay sa komunidad kaya nagdo-donate kami ng mga itlog tuwing Nutrition Month para sa mga malnourished na residente.”
(We never forget to give back to the community, so we donate eggs every Nutrition Month for the malnourished residents.)
As the members of the association and their community continue to progress, the DOLE turned over additional raw materials and tools such as ready-to-lay chickens, feeds, cages, vitamins, disinfectants, and trays amounting to P252,550 on May 13 for the Kabuhayan Enhancement Project.
To date, they now have a total of 357 egg layers.
“I am extremely grateful for the assistance provided by the DOLE and the Army, particularly in terms of livelihood support and training. This support has been beneficial to us, providing additional income. I also want to express my gratitude to the local government unit for their help in developing our production area and making it a better place for the chickens,” Abel added.
During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas episode with DOLE, Assistant Regional Director Honorina Dian-Baga announced that the association was identified as the regional winner for its search for Best DOLE-Livelihood Assisted Project (Group Category) for 2024.
“At gusto ko pong ipagmalaki na for our Search ng Best DOLE-Livelihood Assisted Project [Group Category], actually this is a national search, sila po ang ating entry for Region 1. Sila ay na-declare ng regional winner. Entitled na sila for P50,000 na premyo at kapag sila po ay manalo sa national level ay mabibigyan sila ng additional na P100,000,” Baga added.
(And I would like to proudly announce that for our search of the Best DOLE-Livelihood Assisted Project [Group Category], a national search, they are our entry for Region 1. They have been declared the regional winner. They are entitled to a prize of P50,000; if they win at the national level, they will receive an additional P100,000.)
When asked about the recognition, Abel expressed surprise and felt the pressure to represent the region in the national competition.
She emphasized that regardless of the outcome, their dedication to growing their business and supporting their community will lead to their prosperity.
Additionally, she mentioned that they plan to use the prize money to purchase more fertilizer for the chickens.
The Bucnit Egg-Laying Association stands as a shining example of how community-driven initiatives can overcome adversity and create a brighter future.
Through poultry farming, the residents of Bucnit have not only improved their economic well-being but have also fostered a sense of unity and hope.
Their story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating the power of perseverance, collaboration, and government support in driving positive change. (AMB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)
