PRDP takes pride in forging unity amongst proponent groups who share the same enterprise projects through cross visits and sharing of best practices. Agri mentoring, a best practice among proponent groups
A proponent to proponent group encounter initiated by the Enterprise Development (I-REAP) Component of the Department of Agriculture’s Philippine Rural Development Project (DA-PRDP) mentoring resulted to a meaningful exchange on best practices in the handling of Native Chicken Production.
Four Bohol-based PRDP agri entrepreneurs from Balilihan, Dauis, Batuan and Anda mentored the Kapunungan sa Mag-uuma sa Manu (KAMMA) in San Remigio, Cebu to help them manage their chicken enterprise.
“Treat your native breeders like it were your own,” said Leonora Onez, project manager of the Boctol Women’s Association (BOWA) in Balilihan, Bohol.
A representative from a proponent group in Bohol demonstrates how the Cebu Proponent Groups can maximize the use of their incubator.
Among practices include (i) proper care for the breeder to help maximize its egg-laying capacity; (ii) Members who wish to breed should be properly scrutinized; (iii) focus more on chick reproduction not on the egg (iv) grow alsola or legumes at your backyard as snacks for the chickens (v) Secure the communal poultry (vi) close coordination with the provincial veterinarian for multivitamins and other chicken-related issues.
“It all boils down to technique and dedication for this project to progress,” she added.
KAMMA took note of the points shared. BOWA also provided technical assistance to KAMMA even on the proper usage of the incubator.
On the other hand, the Anda Overseas Filipino Workers Beneficiaries Association (ANDA Orba) recommended the placing of rice hauls (tahop) to help remove foul order and maintain a dry place for the chickens.
“The activity gave us a kind of system that will help us grow and improve the business” Lerma Batobalonos of KAMMA said.
According to Emelito Abao, Business Development Officer of I-REAP RPCO 7, the sharing of best practices is not limited to the sharing of good points but also highlighting bad practices that would serve as learning for those who are still in the initial stages of enterprise implementation. (Bexmae Jumao-as, RPCO 7)
