LEGAZPI CITY – Ten students taking agriculture courses in Bicol have each received PHP250,000 worth of complete poultry package under the Livestock and Poultry program of the Department of Agriculture (DA) office in the region.
In an interview on Monday, Emily Bordado, DA-Bicol spokesperson, said the program dubbed as “Egg Scholars” selected 10 students from numerous applicants in the six provinces of Bicol who submitted to their office a letter of intent together with a business plan.
“The program will continuously monitor the scholars and will be extending necessary technical assistance to them in tandem with the poultry supplier,” she said.
Bordado said the poultry package consists of 200 heads ready-to-lay pullets (White Leg Horn); layer cage good for 240 chickens; 36 bags of feeds which will last for three months; medicines, and biologics.
Each set of six-foot housing with four-layer cages (can accommodate four hens), each measuring 14 inches x 18 inches with feeders and waterers, was recently installed at the homes of the student-beneficiaries.
Bordado said the start-up egg-laying business will help the scholars' family earn extra income by selling eggs, considered a basic commodity, particularly during the health crisis, as these are rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
The student-recipients were identified as Erica Bertes of Guinobatan, Albay; Aileen Joy Bathan of San Lorenzo Ruiz, Camarines Norte; Ella Mae Bitantes of Castilla, Sorsogon; Ruby Joy Morados of Palanas, Masbate; Ceejay Vega Vargas of Virac, Catanduanes; Bryan Matthew Diaz of Goa, Mark Dominick Himantong of Tinambac, Jessa Monforte of Pili, Anna Marie Victorino of Ocampo, and Julie Ann Reyes of Nabua, all in Camarines Sur. (PNA)
