THIRTY Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries from Murcia town, through the Sustainable Livelihood Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, purchased 520 heads of free-range chicken at the Provincial Livestock Breeding Center and Dairy Farm (PLBCDF) in Barangay La Granja, La Carlota City on Wednesday, March 6.

Josephine Maguad, the leader of the beneficiaries, said they are putting the assistance extended by the government in the right investment.

Maguad said that by purchasing free-range chickens from the provincial farm, they are assured that the fund will not go to waste.

“These locally produced stocks have quality genetics," she said, adding that free-range chicken production is suitable for backyard raisers like them because it does not require big financial investment for housing and feeds.

The Provincial Government has been banking on its animal genetic program to sustain the poultry industry of Negros Occidental.

On top of the 520 purchased free-range chickens, the Provincial Veterinary Office provided additional 20 heads for free.

Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena, who led the turnover of free-range chickens, said they recognized the diligence and effort of the 4Ps beneficiaries to attain a better life through a decent livelihood.

They were also given supplements to boost the immunity of the poultry animals from stress caused by the transport and haul.

“The availability of quality genetics, free-range chicken has contributed to improving farmers' livelihood,” Decena said, and that it helps increase their income through egg and meat production.

Also, it contributes to ensuring food security and poverty reduction among Negrenses, he added. (EPN)