BAI Holds Ceremonial Turnover of Checks Under Egg Industry Development Project

The Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), as the lead implementer of the Egg Industry Development Project (EIDP) under the FY 2024 Locally-funded Projects of the National Livestock Program (NLP), formally turned over financial support today at the Office of the Director, Bureau of Animal Industry, Quezon City. This initiative aims to protect and sustain the growth of the Philippine egg industry.

During the ceremonial turnover, checks were awarded to the Batangas Egg Producers Multipurpose Cooperative (BEPCO) and the First San Jose Municipal Employees Multi-Purpose Cooperative (FSJMEMPC). BEPCO will utilize the funds for its Egg Cold and Dry Warehouse and Egg Processing Facility (Large Package), while FSJMEMPC will implement Market Support for Small-scale Egg Producers (Large Package). Participants to the turnover included DA Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Michael Garcia, BAI OIC-Director Dr. Christian Daquigan, BAI OIC-Assistant Director Dr. Anthony Bucad, NLP Director Dr. Claro Mingala and representatives from BEPCO and FSJMEMPC.

In his opening remarks, NLP Director Dr. Mingala congratulated the cooperatives and emphasized that this is "a step forward in progressing the egg industry." He introduced the four components of the EIDP: Egg Cold and Dry Warehouse, Egg Processing Facility, Market Support to Small-scale Egg Producers, and Chicken Manure Processing — all designed to strengthen the entire value chain.

Asec. Garcia assured continuous government support. “We are here to empower the poultry industry and protect it from animal diseases. I promise my support as we push forward for an empowered egg industry,” he said.

BAI OIC-Director Dr. Daquigan closed the event by applauding the beneficiaries and highlighting the project’s impact on smallhold farmers. “This project will help the poultry industry, especially our smallhold farmers, by providing the necessary infrastructure and market support to improve productivity and income. Moving forward, innovation is a must — not only in production but also in biosecurity, processing, and marketing. We must embrace new technologies and practices to make our egg industry more competitive,” he said. “Let us work together in empowering and protecting the egg industry, because a strong egg industry means food security and secure livelihood for our farmers.”

Speaking on behalf of FSJMEMPC, Chairman Sherwin Mercado expressed gratitude and commitment to maximize the support, while BEPCO Chairperson Victorino Michael Lescanpo affirmed their cooperative’s readiness to modernize and expand operations.

The EIDP forms part of the DA’s broader mission to ensure food security and agricultural growth. In alignment with the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) 2023-2028 and the Philippine Poultry Layer Industry Roadmap 2021-2040, the project aims to address challenges such as high production costs, limited post-production capacity, and fluctuating prices. Recognizing eggs as key to a healthier Philippines, the DA supports value-adding initiatives in storage, processing, marketing, and waste management to enhance productivity, income, and biosecurity in the layer industry.