• GRACE RIOS
Bago City Mayor Marina “Mayette” Javellana-Yao, with the San Jose Farmers Association led by Reynaldo Caballero, launched a new egg production project in Barangay Calumangan on August 5.
The initiative highlights the administration’s commitment to sustainable livelihood as one of the pillars of “Asenso Bago” as it aims to provide both food security and income opportunities for the community. Composed of 28 members, the association received P500,000 in seed capital from the Department of Social Welfare and Development–Negros Island Region under its Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP).
At the launch, Javellana-Yao said the project is more than just a livelihood source but also “a message of believing in the capacity of the people, in the strength of the community, and the goodness brought by dedication and hard work.”
The association is currently raising 90 egg-laying hens, producing about 90 eggs daily, sold at farmgate prices to benefit local residents. Expansion plans are underway, with additional cages set to be installed in their 200-square-meter production area within a one-hectare communal property.
Caballero expressed gratitude for the support and stressed that food security remains their foremost priority. “This is really a big help for us, members of the association, in terms of livelihood. But more than that, we want to make sure that our community has access to affordable food,” he said.
City Social Welfare and Development Officer Leah Pilipina Canayon, meanwhile, assured that the local government will continue to support livelihood initiatives aligned with the mayor’s development framework.
“This is our shared vision, our shared progress, and our shared journey towards abundance,” Javellana-Yao said, adding that sustainable livelihood will remain central to her administration’s goals for a more prosperous Bago.
In attendance were DSWD–NIR Project Development Officer II Geljane Premacio, City Cooperative Office Head Judee Lynn Lirazan, Social Welfare Officer II Rhoda Alvarado, PCUP Area Coordinator Edmark Sabordo, Barangay Captain Roberto Saylo, along with personnel from the DSWD–NIR and CSWDO.*
