'Darag' native chicken offers new hope to farmers
San Carlos City -- With a purpose of 'raising awareness on the potentials of native chicken as a livelihood commodity', the 'Darag' IEC Team led by Prof. Marilou Ang Lopez visited Hacienda Malinong Multi-Purpose Cooperative in the town of Pontevedra, Negros Occidental on March 12, and San Carlos City on March 13, 2008.
The Regional Magsasaka Siyentista Joselito Pudadera, who is also a commercial Darag farmer from Leganes, Iloilo, joined the advocacy team.
Speaking before the Malinong Coop members led by Mr. Eduardo Monarca, Coop Chair, Prof. Ang Lopez explained the benefits from Darag Native Chicken which is one of the six commodities for science and technology focus in Region 6.
The other regional focus commodities are mango for export, muscovado, bamboo, piña fiber and coconut.
Similar explanation on the potential of Darag native chicken as a livelihood commodity was given to the audience in the Farmers' Forum in San Carlos City which was composed of farmers, entrepreneurs, NGO representatives and members of the Sanguniang Bayan. The Farmers' Forum was organized by the City Agriculture Office under the leadership of Mr. Edgar de la Cruz.
Darag is considered as the most popular native chicken in the region. The niche market for native chicken has evolved because of its unique flavor, nutritive value, adaptability to a wide-range of environmental conditions. These are the plus factors that give Darag production a high mark for livelihood and business. "Organic Darag native chicken also fits well into theorganic food production program of the Negros island", Prof. Ang Lopez further noted.
On the other hand, Mr. Joselito Pudadera shared his personal insights and experiences as a Darag native chicken farmer. His discussion revolved on the Darag's characteristics and habitat, the local or indigenous practices for feeding and health management, and current market price of day-old chicks, hardened chicks and ready to slaughter chickens.
"We can have the full potentials of darag once we recognize its rights," said JoePud. As a Darag raiser for almost a decade now, he reminded the audience, especially those who are interested of going into large-scale production to take into consideration the nature and characteristics of this highly-sought commodity. His greatest input into his Darag production venture is "hard-work, resourcefulness and perseverance". He believes that no amount of technology can substitute for hard-work in the native chicken production and marketing.
As a regional focus commodity, the research and technology packaging for Darag native chicken production and commercialization is funded by DOST-PCARRD. West Visayas State University leads the S ad T Program for Darag Native Chicken. The other cooperating agencies and SUCs are DA-WESVIARC, UP Visayas, Aklan State University, Capiz State University and Iloilo State College of Agriculture-Dingle campus.
The Project on IEC Strategies for Philippine Native Production and Marketing which is based in the School of Technology, UP Visayas, is a component of the S and T Anchor Program for Philippine Native Chicken. The Project aims to promote Darag native chicken and enhance its production and marketing aspects in the region.
Information/Technologies on Darag Native Chicken Production are available at (033) 508-4164 to 65 or (033) 315-9631 to 32, local 303. Please address your request/inquiry to Prof. Marilou J. Ang Lopez, Faculty, School of Technology, UP Visayas, Miag-ao, Iloilo.