Range chicken proj set for Bontoc folks

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – Some 25 individuals here in Sitio Doddo, Barangay Talubin will undergo 6-month training on free range chicken production before each of them will receive at least 10 heads of free range chicken pullets.

The training kicked-off with the launching of farmer poultry school on free range chicken production on April 30 in Talubin.

Agricultural technologist Sheryl Kate Tumingeb of the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist said free- range production is a production system where chickens are raised in a stress- free environment.

They are allowed access to outdoors that has a natural diet of grains, forages, and insects.

This system also provides more fresh air and sunlight to chickens and can minimize the use of antibiotics.

Tumingeb said the training will start on May 29 and recipients will meet once a week.

They will be taught on the management of free –range chicken, housing, breeds of chicken to raise, production management, control of pests and diseases and records management.

Lecturers will be personnel from the Bontoc municipal government through the OMAg and provincial government through the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian.

Administrative Officer IV Ross Kiat-ong of the OMAg explained that the project was made possible due to the collaborative efforts of the Agricultural Training Institute – Cordillera Administrative Region, provincial and Bontoc governments.

In his message, Bontoc Mayor Franklin Odsey thanked the agriculture sector and concerned agencies for bringing government programs closer to the people.  He likewise acknowledged the collaboration of the concerned agencies for the realization of all government programs which the constituents are enjoying and benefitting from it.

With this, Odsey encouraged the recipients to complete the training at the same time maintain and sustain the program as a means to augment their families’ financial needs.

Similarly, Provincial Veterinarian Rodelio Bagawi thanked the ATI- CAR and Bontoc local government for the fruitful result of collaboration together with the provincial government.

Bagawi urged beneficiaries to complete the six months training, comply with the requirements and put their dedication and hard work in managing their poultry.

Municipal Agriculturist Renato Falag-ey seconded the pronouncement of Odsey and Bagawi that realization of the program is due to the collaborative efforts of the abovementioned agencies and offices.

He urged commitment of beneficiaries in training, production and management of free-range chicken pullets to be given to them.

Nancy Ngallawen, one of the beneficiaries extended her gratitude to the concerned agencies and offices for bringing the program in their place adding that it will be an additional source of livelihood to them.

After the training, a graduation ceremony will be held of which the recipients will be given a certificate of completion.

The budget for the program, training kits, free range chicken pullets and stocks to be provided to the recipients and the graduation ceremony shall be funded by the ATI- CAR.

As its counterpart, the Bontoc LGU through the OMAg and the provincial government through the OPVet shall provide technical assistance and resource speakers during the training.

Meanwhile, the housing and forages for the free range chicken, and the meals and snacks during the training shall be the counterpart of the recipients.