The Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Office 8 (RFO8) formally turned over a Php 2 million Chicken Multiplier Farm package to the Municipality of Cabucgayan and the Cabucgayan Swine and Poultry Raisers Cooperative, marking a major boost to the town’s livestock industry.

The turnover took place during the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program CY 2023 ceremony at Brgy. Bunga, Cabucgayan, Biliran this September 12, 2025, highlighting the DA’s commitment to strengthening local food production and farmer incomes.
During the program, Municipal Agriculturist Genna P. Cordeta welcomed guests and emphasized the importance of a strong livestock sector to household livelihoods. Dr. Felicidad Anthea L. Naputo, Regional Livestock Program Coordinator, presented the project overview, followed by key messages from Dr. Suzette B. Apura, Provincial Veterinarian; Hon. Gemma G. Adobo, Mayor of Cabucgayan; Hon. Rogelio J. Espina, MD, FPOA, Biliran Governor; and Dr. Andrew Rodolfo T. Orais, DVM, Regional Executive Director of DA RFO 8, who underscored the project’s role in improving food security and income stability.

Certificates of Turnover were officially presented by Dr. Orais to both the Local Government Unit of Cabucgayan and the Cabucgayan Swine and Poultry Raisers Cooperative, affirming their joint responsibility to manage and expand the project’s benefits for the community.

Cooperative Chairperson Ralph V. Mendoza responded with gratitude, noting that the package will help members scale up production and meet the increasing demand for poultry products.
The Chicken Multiplier Farm is expected to create a steady supply of quality native chicken, reduce the need for imports, and open new opportunities for local growers. By providing essential infrastructure and inputs, the Department of Agriculture ensures that farmers and the local government can sustain operations and grow incomes for years to come.

With this turnover, Cabucgayan’s farmers are now equipped to strengthen food security, generate jobs, and build a more resilient livestock economy for Biliran Province. The package includes 600 heads of native chicken, animal housing, an egg incubator, and animal feeds.

Delivered under the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED) Program, this support is designed to increase poultry output, improve the quality of local meat and eggs, and create a sustainable source of income for cooperative members and their families.

With this intervention, travel to distant markets for poultry supply is expected to lessen, while residents gain easier access to fresh, affordable chicken products. The multiplier farm will also help stabilize prices and reduce dependence on imports by creating a consistent local stock of native chicken.

Beyond direct production, the project is anticipated to stimulate economic activity in related services such as feed supply, transport, and small-scale processing. By equipping farmers with essential infrastructure and resources, the turnover lays the foundation for stronger livelihoods, more stable employment, and greater food security throughout Cabucgayan and neighboring areas.

The initiative demonstrates how strategic agricultural investments can empower rural cooperatives, improve market access, and build long-term resilience for farming communities across Biliran Province.