BAYBAY CITY, Leyte —Duck raising is a lucrative livestock industry in the Philippines because of its eggs. In 2024, it was reported that balut production dominated the industry, where smallholder production comprises more than 75 percent of the total duck production. Balut is sold daily throughout the archipelago for its delicious flavor and nutritive value.
The Philippine Mallard Duck, also known as “Pateros” or “itik,” is the most common type of duck raised in the Philippines. As of December 2025, the total Philippine duck inventory reached 14.01 million birds, a 0.6% increase from 13.93 million in 2024 (PSA). Smallhold farms dominate, accounting for roughly 69.9% of the population. These ducks are primarily raised to produce eggs that are processed into “balut” and salted eggs. Looking at its production volume and value, the duck industry is small compared to the chicken industry, but its economic contribution, particularly to small duck producers, cannot be underestimated.
With this, the Agricultural Training Institute - Regional Training Center 8, trained the beneficiaries of the Livestock Economic Enterprise Development (LEED), particularly selected community leaders poised to spearhead ducks production initiatives within their respective groups, and select agricultural extension workers, to enhance their knowledge and skills in sustainable duck farming enterprises.
Participants engaged in a blend of classroom lectures and interactive discussions, and hands-on practical exercises conducted at the DA-RFO 8 Babatngon Research Station. By completing the course, the LEED Project beneficiaries are now ready to establish and manage their duck production ventures, transforming the knowledge gained into tangible economic opportunities.
Concurrently, the trained AEWs ensured that the community would have readily available, localized technical assistance to guarantee the long-term success of the project.
A total of 28 participants completed the Training on Duck Production and Management (Batch 1) on May 19-21, 2026 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte. Batch 2 of this training is slated on June 23-25, 2026 at ATI-RTC 8, VSU Campus, Baybay City, Leyte.
With the successful completion of the first batch of training, the duck industry in Leyte takes a step closer to becoming a more sustainable and community-driven enterprise—empowering smallholders, strengthening local livelihoods, and ensuring that the tradition of balut and salted egg production continues to thrive for generations to come. (With reports from Jessalyn T. Lunario and Allen P. Goroy)
