Central Mindanao University Academic Paradise of the South
One hundred native/heritage (Manok Pinoy) chickens were distributed to 23 farmer-beneficiaries in the barangays Gosoon and Vinapor in Carmen, Agusan Del Norte from the Central Mindanao University (CMU) MinDA Chicken Haven Project as part of CMU extension and social commitment to aid the affected swine farmers from the African Swine Fever (ASF).
The reports show that ASF outbreaks have significantly affected pig farmers in these barangays. With this, CMU, in partnership with the Philippine Society of Animal Science (PSAS) through its outreach committee and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Carmen Agusan Del Norte, conducted an assistance program for the affected farmers.
Tatay Eduardo M. Sangutan, a recipient of the Manok Pinoy, expressed his gratitude for being one of the farmers that received the native chickens. “Nalipay kaayo ko nga isa ko sa nakadawat sa mga manok og nagpasalamat ko na naapil ko sa listahan.” (I am very happy that I was one of the recipients of the chickens and I am thankful that I was included in the list.)
This chicken dispersal initiative was implemented to help backyard farmers in the selected LGU and barangays whose pigs were killed by the dreaded ASF virus.
Furthermore, Nanay Cristina Manilid, one of the beneficiary farmers of the program, expressed her gratitude for the set of chickens she received, “Nagpasalamat kami nga nakaapil mi ani nga programa para matabangan atong maguuma labi na kadtong na apiktuhan sa ASF, karon natagaan mig ginagmay nga makatabang sa panginabuhi.” (We are thankful that we are included in this program that help us farmers, especially those who are affected by ASF. Now we are given a small-scale livelihood that will help our means.)
The group also partnered with the Rotary Club of Downtown Butuan City, providing farmers with feeds, vitamins, dewormers, and snacks. The activity was coordinated with the Provincial Veterinary Office, LGU Carmen, and the mentioned barangays.
Under the leadership of the office of the Vice President for Research Development and Extension (RDE) Director, Dr. Allan P. Dargantes, and as a member of the PSAS Outreach Committee, attended the distribution of the one hundred chickens in Carmen, Agusan del Norte, together with Mr. Roy Paracuelles, a PSAS member, Dr. Joseph Dargantes of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Agusan del Norte, and the members of the Rotary Club of Downtown Butuan City.
“This year, more sets of native chickens will be sent to at least 60 chosen farmers in chosen LGUs, namely, Esperanza Agusan del Sur and Mainit Surigao del Sur,” Dr. Dargantes mentioned.
In general, the project benefited the ASF-affected swine producers in Carmen Agusan del Norte since it provided them with a different income source. The CMU, PSAS, and selected LGU worked together to make the turn-over project successful last October 11, 2022.
In addition, more chickens will also be distributed in Mainit, Surigao del Norte, and Esperanza, Agusan del Sur, until the end of 2022. [Julie Bago]
