SAN MIGUEL, Leyte - Chicken is one of the country’s top agricultural commodities and a major contributor to the Philippine economy. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the total chicken inventory for Eastern Visayas in 2024 went up to 5.7 million, higher than the 4.6 million recorded for 2023.
Free-range chicken production is gaining traction as a sustainable and profitable enterprise. This system allows birds to thrive in a stress-free environment with constant access to the outdoors for a natural diet of grains, forages, and insects. It not only promotes animal welfare but also provides healthier meat and eggs, aligning with the government’s advocacy for safe food production and food security.
To further initiatives for the industry, the Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center VIII (ATI-RTC 8) conducted the Farmer Poultry School on Free-Range Chicken Production and Management from June 13 to August 29, 2025 in Brgy. Santol, San Miguel, Leyte.
The training aimed to provide farmers with essential knowledge and skills in free-range chicken production technology. Throughout the season-long course, participants engaged in lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions. A benchmarking activity was also held at Agape Integrated Farm, where owner Mr. Eleuterio Atamosa shared his decades-long experience in flock management.
Mr. Generoso Sapisip, a poultry farmer, saw the training as an opportunity to gain additional knowledge. For me, the training taught them how to raise chicken through a more cost-effective a approach. “Way back before, raising chickens using commercial feeds is very expensive and we realized that our profit margin is very low and leads us to stop raising chickens. Right now, personally I’m compelled to expand my chicken farm because of the alternative feeding management that could lessen my feed expenses”. he narrated.
As part of the extension support, participants received a total of 300 heads of chicken as starter kits, with each farmer receiving 12 heads. These flocks are expected to produce eggs and meat within 12 months, contributing to both household consumption and income generation.
Barangay Chairwoman Roselda Elbore expressed her honor for hosting the activity in their barangay. She was happy to see her constituents participating in the activity. According to her, farming is the main source of living in our barangay. Agricultural education is the key to enhancing our farm productivity. “To my fellow residents of this barangay, please take good care of your chickens, make it a good start for a chicken farm. Remember, extension support is the people’s money; give value to it and make it fruitful.”
By enhancing farmer capacity in free-range poultry production, ATI-RTC 8 continues to empower local communities to adopt sustainable practices that support food security, economic resilience, and healthier diets.
