Siargao women-farmers earn over P500K from egg production
By Susil D. Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — Living up to its name–‘malipayon’ (cheerful) and ‘mauswagon’ (progressive)–the Malipayon ug Mauswagong Mag-uuma sa Mahayahay (M4) closed the year 2025 with a total gross sale of P550,702 by selling 75,337 eggs.
The M4, a women-farmers’ association in Barangay Mahayahay, Del Carmen on Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, is supported by the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) program on Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD).
According to M4 Chairperson Marnie Q. Lubapis, in addition to the commitment and dedication of its members to keep the scheduled management rotation of the poultry farm, the convenience they offer to the community has also contributed to the growth of their egg-selling business.
“Our egg production project through the DA’s SAAD has made fresh table eggs more accessible. Eggs are an essential part of our community, especially for students who rely on them for daily nutrition,” Lubapis said.
Highlighting M4’s contribution to the community, its Display Officer Catherine C. Garrido said,, “Instead of traveling all the way to Dapa, as the adjacent town and the economic center of Siargao Island, the locals in Barangay Mahayahay can now buy fresh table eggs, including different sizes, at reasonable prices.”
Lilibeth J. Erong, vice chairperson of M4, emphasized how the program has empowered women in the community by helping them establish their own livelihood. “Most of our members are housewives, and this project gives us an opportunity to earn income to help provide for our families and cover daily needs.”
As the M4 continues to grow its egg production, the group has agreed on a policy to balance project sustainability and member benefits. Their fund sharing takes place biannually (every June and December), equally dividing fifty percent of their net income among the members, and keeping the other half in their savings account to build the business capital for long-term operational costs and maintenance.
Looking ahead, M4 prepared an annual action plan, guided by the DA-SAADS area coordinator, to set the organization’s goals and targets and to assign key persons responsible for achieving them. To strengthen project diversification, the M4 plans to expand egg production by purchasing additional layer chickens to meet growing community demand.
They also aim to revive their vegetable production initiative, which was affected by the typhoons that hit the region in the last quarter of 2025. This diversification will support the group’s plan to expand its display center, allowing for more egg trays and mixed vegetables.
As for SAAD Caraga, it will continue to guide the M4 and other farmers’ associations, helping them create sustainability plans to achieve their goals and establish their own community-based enterprises (CBEs). (SDR, PIA Surigao del Norte with a report from DA-SAAD Caraga)
