Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. recently launched a feed distribution initiative to assist duck raisers in Pampanga, a central hub in the duck industry. The initiative is part of the Department of Agriculture’s broader strategy to strengthen livestock farming, particularly poultry, offering greater income-generating opportunities for farmers and enhancing food security.
Pampanga and Central Luzon are critical to the nation’s duck industry, producing 27 percent of the country’s duck meat and 56 percent of its duck eggs. With over 4.9 million ducks in the region, nearly 60 percent are in Pampanga. However, rising feed costs have posed challenges for duck raisers. To address this, the DA has introduced measures such as free avian influenza testing, feed assistance, and post-harvest facilities.
The feed assistance program will support registered duck raisers with between 9 to 17 bags of feed, valued between P15,000 and P28,000, depending on the number of ducks owned. The program targets those with at least 100 ducks, capping assistance at 2,000 ducks per recipient. Nearly 1,000 duck raisers from Pampanga’s fourth district will benefit from this initiative.
Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of this program in stabilizing the duck industry, improving productivity, and contributing to the goal of food security in the country. He also mentioned that the program would be expanded and refined over time, eventually covering more regions to further strengthen the agricultural sector.
