PATIN-AY, PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur – Duck and chicken raisers are expected to experience increased income in the next few years in Agusan del Sur after the province was identified as recipient of the Itik Pinas project. This was revealed by Dr. Ronnie D. Domingo, Director of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) during the one-day advocacy seminar entitled “Back to Basics – Scientific and Sustainable Livestock and Poultry Development” that was held last April 12, 2018 at the Democrito O. Plaza Sports Complex.

The Itik Pinas project is a joint effort of BAI, National Swine Poultry Research Development Center (NSPRC), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). Farmer-beneficiaries will receive genetically superior breed of multiplier ducks and chicken. Dr. Rene C. Santiago, Center Chief of NSPRDC explained that the breeder ducks have higher average productive period of 70% as compared to the old breeds which are only at 55%. This translates to an increase in egg production and additional income. Moreover, eggs produced in Itik Pinas weigh an average of 65 grams a piece, meeting the requirements of the ‘balut’ industry.

Over 600 participants were present during the seminar who were oriented about their responsibilities and benefits of the project. They also listened to the lectures on Free Range Chicken Production by Dr. Ma. Asuncion G. Beltran (Dean, College of Veterinary Medicine, Tarlac State University) and Duck Egg Production by Dr. Santiago.

As part of the repayment scheme, offspring from the dispersed animals will be rolled out to the next-in-line beneficiaries. According to Dr. Ruth S. Miclat-Sonaco, Center Director of the International Training Center for Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), the number of Itik Pinas recipients throughout the country is targeted to reach five million by the end of 2022.

Aside from those mentioned above, other officials who gave their words of encouragement to the participants were Dr. Joriz G. Elevazo, Head of the Provincial Veterinary Office of Agusan del Sur; Nilo Manpatilan, IP Focal Person (ADS); Abel James I. Monteagudo, Regional Director of DA-RFO XIII; and Samuel L. Calonzo, OIC Center Director of ATI-Caraga.