The town of Libertad in Antique aims to become the center for the production of “balut” (fertilized duck egg) in the province.
Libertad Mayor Mary Jean Te said they are fortunate to be a recipient of assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA) under its “Itik-Pinas” project.
“The 1,800 heads of ducks are given for free by the DA to the beneficiaries.”
“The 1,800 heads of ducks are given for free by the DA to the beneficiaries,” Te said.
The lady mayor said these ducks will be raised by the 30 members of the Sitio San Juan Farmers Association (FA) in Barangay San Roque, who belong to the first batch of recipients, so they could produce balut.
During the turnover of the assistance recently, each FA member received 60 ducks.
Meanwhile, she said that with the project, they are envisioning Libertad to soon supply the market in the premier tourist destination of Boracay island in Aklan province.
“As of the current, the balut being sold in Boracay Island still comes from Cuartero, Capiz province,” Te said.
“Our municipality, which is in the northern tip of Antique, is near Boracay island.”
She said their municipality, which is in the northern tip of Antique, is near Boracay island.
“Our potential market for balut will be Boracay because of the tourist visitors there who would like to taste it,” Te stressed.
Antique provincial veterinarian, Dr. Florencio Macuja revealed they are going to assist the DA personnel in conducting technical training to the FA members so that they would be equipped with knowledge on how to make their project prosper.
“We are ready to provide the needed technical assistance to the beneficiaries,” Macuja said.