The Philippines Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) Program awarded one kilowatt solar power system unit to Balete Chicken Growers Association (BACGA), aiding in the incubation of stocks as power interruption frequents the community, according to a government press release.

For long-term cost-efficient chicken production providing continuous power supply for chick incubation, the BACGA finally installed the solar power system worth Php 147,950.00 in their community and project site in Brgy. Balete, Bayabas in September 2022.

Aside from the poultry project given by the Program, BACGA members are also engaged in fishing, rice and coconut production, and backyard farming. The poultry project intervention is a goal to diversify variety of food and multiple sources of income for the beneficiaries.

Association President Nenita Dalayan said the alternative power system lessens egg damages from frequent power interruptions in the locality that usually last two (2) or more days.

"The solar power system is a big help for us if there are power interruptions, we can simply use solar (unit) and it will lessen our electricity expenses," said Dalayan. "Also since we use an incubator it will reduce the damage from frequent power interruptions."

BACGA is a recipient of the SAAD-funded native chicken production alongside eight other FAs in the province. The project worth Php 3,225,724.51 comprises native chicken, poultry houses, incubators, and technical assistance including production and organizational development training provided yearly from FY 2019-2022. Their current product lines are eggs, liveweight chicken, and chicks.

BACGA is the first FA supported by the SAAD Program that received a solar power system in FY 2022. Former Program Director Myer G. Mula during his visit in August 2021, suggested the intervention upon learning the group pays an average of Php 2,000.00 per month for electricity usage.