Over 1,000 native chickens (Basilan) were distributed to farmers and agricultural associations in Gen. MacArthur, Eastern Samar under the Livestock Dispersal Program of the Department of Agriculture, aiming to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote sustainable backyard poultry production in the locality.

The distribution benefited organized groups and individual farmers, with associations and cooperatives receiving between 200 to 250 heads each, while individual beneficiaries were allotted 25 heads each.

Among the recipients were the Sta. Fe Farmer’s Association, the General MacArthur Uswag Katarungan Agriculture Cooperative, and 22 individual farmers. The initiative is expected to increase household income, improve food security, and encourage community-based livestock production in the area.

The program is designed not only to provide immediate livelihood support but also to build long-term agricultural resilience among farmers and rural communities. Beneficiaries are expected to raise the native chickens responsibly and participate in the program’s pass-on scheme, allowing more families to benefit in the future.

Native chicken production requires relatively low maintenance while offering steady income opportunities through egg production and live bird sales.

The program forms part of ongoing government efforts to achieve food security through effective agricultural initiatives, including the expansion of livestock-based livelihood projects in Eastern Visayas.