THE ongoing El Niño phenomenon has posed significant challenges to the poultry industry of Bantayan Island, Cebu’s egg basket that also supplies to Negros, affecting production and the livelihood of poultry farmers.“Tungod sa kainit, nanga heatstroke among mga manok. Sa usa ka adlaw, naay mamatay usa or duha, pero dili permi,” said Joseph Allan Pastoril, president of the Bantayan Island Livestock and Hog Raisers Association .
Naa man sad gud traders gikan sa Mindanao nga mag supply sa Cebu,” said Pastoril.He added that due to the oversupply of eggs, poultry farmers have resorted to selling their stock at lower prices, or even giving them away because of the sheer volume.Eggs only have a two-week shelf life before they spoil.He said the decrease in egg prices has reached 20 percent. Last year, they sold eggs for P6 each, compared to P5.40 now.