Darag native chicken gets natl exposure
In continuing efforts of the Darag IEC of the S&T Anchor Program for the Philippine Native Chicken (Darag) to intensify the tri-media (print, radio and TV) exposure of the Darag native chicken, the team was recently featured in one of the country's top morning shows, the ABS-CBN's 'Sikat Ka Iloilo,' hosted by Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida.
To highlight the show, the team invited speakers involved in the Program. Present were Dr. Bernabe Cocjin, the Darag guru and former president of the West Visayas State University (WVSU); Dr. Evelyn Tomambo, program leader; Mr. George Fredrick Roxas and Mr. Ray Arenga, Darag Research Team of WVSU; and Dr. Alicia Lustica of the Darag IEC (information, education and communication), WESVARRDEC.
Main emphasis was centered on the Darag native chicken as a potential commodity of the region. As the Darag guru, Dr. Cocjin shared his discovery and efforts for the researchers on the said commodity. He also gave a gist to the importance of the commodity to our daily consumption as prime source of protein.
Mr. Roxas, science research specialist of WVSU, notified the public as to the adaptability to environment and weather of the Darag to most of the rural areas. Proper management and care, which includes feeding, monitoring, and regular disease prevention, is necessary for successful raising. Mortality rates also depend on the poultry management, thus, proper vaccination and disease preventive measures should be observed.
Free-range in nature, they can feed into the natural occurring feedstuffs around the farm that complement important nutrients native chicken should have. Some are rice grains, corn, worms, greens, insects and other component found on the grounds, added Mr. Arenga.
On commercialization, Darag native chickens are ready for market after three to four months provided with good management practice. They are even becoming to be the next business venue for the raisers and native chicken enthusiasts. Live native chicken ranges from P140 to P170 depending on the weight and size. On restaurants, litson manok costs from P200 to P220. These, according to Dr. Cocjin, are strong indications that the native chicken industry is growing and more people are becoming interested on venturing on it.
Dr. Tomambo, present program leader of the Darag native chicken in Western Visayas, emphasized the efforts of the institution to further improve the laying potential of the hens through natural incubation techniques and proper brooding management. She added that presently, the program is conducting a training course for the young farmer raisers of the said commodity to advance the production of the Darag native chicken in the region. On the other hand, she also commended the program as a good livelihood help for Guimaras Province which is presently experiencing dilemma from oil spill incident.
The Darag IEC of the program has already produced newsletter and primer for the second quarter and in the process of packaging the next quarter issues. Dr. Lustica also said that they are now into the strengthening of the campaign throughout the region. Also included in the project was the formulation of the Philippine Recommends for Native Chicken which is currently wrapped up by identified agencies and persons involved in the program.
As parting message, the team encouraged the viewers to engage in the production of the Darag native chicken. With joint efforts of the agencies and persons involved in the program, she expects Western Visayas to become the Darag capital of the country. Further, conceptualization of 'Darag Festival' is also looked forward to.
The Darag native chicken advocacy is headed by the Western Visayas Agriculture Research and Development Consortium (WESVARRDEC), in cooperation of its member agencies, under the S&T Anchor Program for Philippine Native Chicken lead by West Visayas State University (WVSU).
For more information about the Darag native chicken, visit us at the WESVARRDEC Office, UP in the Visayas, Gen. Luna St., Iloilo City or call us at (033) 335-0630. You may also log on to the official website, the www.darag.wesvarrdec.org and email us at darag.iec@gmail.com.
(Shalimar Francisco, Darag IEC)