TACLOBAN CITY — A group of farmers in Limasawa, Southern Leyte, has turned to egg production to rebuild its livelihood after an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak wiped out its swine enterprise in late 2024.
The 20-member Magallanes Farmers Association (MFA) shifted to poultry production with assistance from the Department of Agriculture’s Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program, which provided 208 ready-to-lay hens, feeds, farm supplies, enterprise management training and biosecurity support.
MFA president Sam Galvez said the group decided to venture into poultry after ASF brought their swine production to a halt.
“Sa akong pagtan-aw sa among bag-ong poultry site, dili lang manukan ang akong nakita—nakita nako ang among destinasyon sa umaabot nga panahon,” he said, describing the new poultry facility as a symbol of the association’s hopes for a more stable livelihood.
Before receiving assistance from SAAD, the farmers also sought support from the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), which provided P155,600 in insurance compensation for losses incurred by their ASF-affected swine enterprise.
The association now produces an average of 12 to 15 trays of fresh eggs daily. These are sold to resorts, homestays and restaurants in Limasawa, giving the farmers a regular market while helping meet the food requirements of tourism establishments on the island.
Galvez, a former licensed tour guide, helped link the association with local tourism establishments, creating a direct market for their eggs.
The shift to poultry production has given the farmers a new source of income, although the association said its earnings remain modest as it continues to develop the enterprise.
MFA member Michelle Castolo said the group’s recovery would depend not only on government assistance but also on the farmers’ willingness to work together and find ways to sustain their livelihood.
“Dapat bisag unsa pa nga challenge ang muabot magtinabangay unya mangitag paagi aron mabuhi ug mulambo ang panginabuhian,” Castolo said.
As of July 2026, the association had P176,166.25 in cash on hand and P4,000 in bank savings as it continued to strengthen its poultry enterprise.
The experience of the MFA highlights how agricultural groups affected by livestock disease can diversify their sources of income with government support, while developing enterprises linked to local markets such as tourism.
Through the SAAD assistance, the farmers are gradually rebuilding the livelihood they lost to ASF while contributing to the local supply of eggs for Limasawa’s growing tourism-related food market.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
