The Department of Agriculture – Caraga, through its Livestock Program, turned over a P2-million chicken module project to the Tagcoong-Angas Irrigators Association, Inc. (TAIA) on March 3 in Barangay Angas, Sta. Josefa, Agusan del Sur. 

The intervention is part of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) – Chicken Module Project under the National Livestock Program (NLP). The funding will support the establishment of a chicken facility and the procurement of 1,200 ready-to-lay pullets, as well as feeds, drugs, and biologics. 

DA-Caraga Regional Executive Director Arlan M. Mangelen personally handed over the project to TAIA Chairperson Grace J. Dela Peña. Since taking charge of the initiative, Dela Peña reported that the egg-laying rate has reached 90-95%, yielding approximately 35 trays of eggs per day. 

Sta. Josefa Municipal Agriculturist Maria Luz Convocar highlighted the significance of the project, stating that their municipality aims to become the province’s leading egg producer. She emphasized that the chicken module project is a key step toward achieving this goal. 

Director Mangelen encouraged the beneficiaries to maximize the project’s potential, saying, “Make use of this project to improve your livelihood. This intervention will not only provide additional income but also create opportunities, foster development, and contribute to food security in your municipality.” 

The LEED Program under the NLP seeks to enhance the livestock sub-sector’s contribution to smallholder farmers’ income by providing module-based grants. 

Also present during the turnover were Livestock Focal Person Jekem D. Sanchez, Agusan del Sur Agricultural Program Coordinating Officer (APCO) OIC Meche Mae Parina, Administrative Officer Dax V. Salise, Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Agriculture Chairperson Carpin Plaza Jr., barangay officials, and members of TAIA. (Kent Warren H. Fugoso, DA-Caraga,RAFIS)