In this archipelagic province located in the Mimaropa region, where local small-scale poultry farms struggle to meet egg production demands, reliance on imported chicken eggs is crucial to fulfilling the daily needs of consumers, restaurants, and local businesses.
Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc. is now able to produce over 250,000 eggs daily, distributed in the islands of Romblon and other parts of the country, including Batangas, Rizal, and Manila.
The bulk of Romblon’s egg supply arrives from other regions in the country, leaving its availability susceptible to transportation disruptions caused by adverse weather conditions and unforeseen delays.
These challenges were especially evident during previous lockdowns and travel restrictions imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recognizing this demand-supply gap, local businessmen and brothers Alex and Raymond Abelido seized the opportunity to establish Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc., a commercial poultry farm aimed at bolstering local egg production and reducing reliance on imports.
Establishing a sustainable food system in Romblon
“Enhancing Romblon’s poultry output is integral to our vision of establishing a more sustainable food system in the province. This endeavour is our contribution to ensuring food security,” stated Alex Abelido, President and CEO of Tierra del Sur Farms.
Transitioning from their construction business, the Abelido brothers faced the challenge of venturing into agriculture and establishing the largest poultry farm in the province.
Female workers at Tierra Del Sur Farms, an egg and poultry farm in Romblon Province
In 2023, the Land Bank of the Philippines (LANDBANK) provided credit assistance totalling PhP160 million to finance the construction of facilities on their 17-hectare farm in Romblon.
This funding facilitated the establishment of essential infrastructure, including four poultry buildings, warehouses for feeds and tools, workers’ accommodations, and an organic fertilizer plant. Additionally, the loan supported the procurement of ready-to-lay chickens and covered operational expenses such as purchasing chicken feed.
Starting with 25,000 laying hens, Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc. quickly expanded to approximately 60,000 laying hens, yielding around 54,000 eggs daily. These locally produced eggs are distributed across various island municipalities in the province, offering consumers a more affordable option at just P7.00 per egg compared to imported eggs priced at around P10.00 each.
Furthermore, the proximity of locally sourced eggs ensures quality and availability, unlike imported eggs, which may face delays in reaching the province.
Buoyed by the success of their Romblon poultry farm, Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc. sought LANDBANK’s assistance to expand operations to Calatagan, Batangas. Securing a P430-million loan, they constructed poultry buildings and supporting facilities, including an organic fertilizer plant and sewage treatment plant.
The Batangas farm now houses approximately 250,000 laying hens across seven fully automated poultry buildings, producing about 200,000 eggs each day. These eggs are distributed to the company’s trade partners in Batangas, Rizal, and Manila.
LANDBANK’s continued assistance
Expressing gratitude for LANDBANK’s support, Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc. Corporate Treasurer and Manager Raymond Abelido emphasized their commitment to empowering local communities and ensuring food security.
With LANDBANK’s continued assistance, Raymond says the company is now aiming to expand operations in the neighbouring provinces.
As of the end of March 2024, LANDBANK’s outstanding loans to the poultry sector have since reached P15.5 billion, supporting various projects such as egg production, poultry breeding, as well as the sale of poultry meat and products.
In alignment with Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc.’s advocacy for minimal ecological impact, the farm implements sustainable waste management practices financed by LANDBANK.
A sewage treatment plant recycles wastewater for chicken consumption, while an organic fertilizer plant converts chicken manure into fertilizer, benefiting local farmers and promoting agricultural productivity.
Recognized for their fertilizer quality, Tierra del Sur Farms, Inc. partnered with the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) to supply organic fertilizer to coconut farmers nationwide, fostering coconut production while advocating for proper waste management practices.