QUEZON CITY, Philippines - In times of crisis, adaptation is key. On its 207th episode of “Agri Asenso”, Ms. Mercy Biala of Biala’s Farm highlighted how resilience and innovation paved the way for their family's successful rabbit raising venture.
Biala’s Farm came to life in 2003 where Mercy and her family raised pigs, goats, and cattle. A major setback came in 2020 when the African Swine Fever (ASF) pandemic wiped out their swine population in just two weeks. Amid the uncertainty of the COVID-19 quarantine, they sought alternative livestock and, with the influence of their youngest child's love for animals, transitioned into rabbit farming—a decision that would soon prove to be both economically viable and nutritionally beneficial.
For Mercy, rabbit meat stands out as a superior protein source. “Rabbit meat is steadily gaining attention for its health advantages. With its high protein content, low cholesterol, and minimal fat, it is regarded as one of the healthiest meat options available,” she explained. “It has also become a preferred protein source for cancer patients due to its clean taste and nutritional profile. Compared to other meats, rabbit offers a flavor that falls between chicken and turkey, without the strong odors associated with other livestock.”
Starting a rabbit farm does not require a hefty capital investment. Biala Farm initially focused first on educating their family about rabbit meat consumption. Their philosophy centers on advocacy—when farmers themselves consume and promote their produce, trust and market demand naturally follow. Within six to nine months, they recovered their investment in their venture.
Beyond direct sales, Biala’s Farm actively participates in government-led market initiatives such as Kadiwa ng Pangulo, offering fresh rabbit meat to consumers twice a month. They also engage in agricultural training hosted by the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) RTC 2, where fellow farmers learn about rabbit production, its benefits, and the potential for business growth. Through these seminars, Biala Farm continues to encourage more farmers to explore rabbit raising, emphasizing both its sustainability and profitability.
“Suki na rin po ako sa mga seminar ng ATI RTC 2 kung saan, ang mga kapwa ko Magsasaka Siyentista (MS) ay interesadong matuto tungkol sa pag-aalaga at pagkain ng rabbit. Yung mga nakikilala at nakakasama ko po sa mga trainings, naeengganyo ko yung iba na mag-alaga ng mga rabbit or kumain ng rabbit.”
As agriculture continues to evolve, rabbit farming presents itself as an accessible and innovative solution for Filipino farmers seeking resilience in the industry. With its nutritional benefits, low production costs, and increasing market demand, rabbitry holds promising potential for expansion—contributing not just to individual livelihoods but also to the broader vision of a Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas. ###
