When Super Typhoon Odette devastated Dinagat Islands in 2021, it nearly ended young farmer Jonnel Alingco’s poultry farming business. But instead of giving up, this determined entrepreneur from Cagdianao rebuilt his farm and turned his experience into a success story that now helps stabilize the local egg supply and inspire the youth to pursue agriculture.
From Egg Shortage to Opportunity
Before starting RL Layer Poultry, Alingco observed that egg prices in Dinagat Islands were unusually high because most supplies came from mainland Surigao and nearby provinces.
“I saw how hard it was for the Dinagatnons to buy expensive eggs in the market for consumption. This motivated me to dream and venture into my own egg-laying business to address this challenge,” he shared.
In 2021, he joined the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC), won ₱50,000, and used the funding to establish his first poultry house.
Rising Stronger After the Storm
Just a few months later, Super Typhoon Odette destroyed his poultry farm, wiping out his flock. For many, that would have been the end, but Alingco chose to persevere.
“The effect of Odette was enough to end my dream of having my own poultry farm because it is not easy. But for the youth like me, for our community, and for the land that feeds us, I chose to continue,” he said.
He reported the damage to the Department of Agriculture–Caraga Region, which responded through its Quick Response Fund. The agency provided 96 ready-to-lay (RTL) chickens and cages, allowing Alingco to restart operations.
Growing the Local Egg Industry
By 2022, his flock grew to over 500 heads, enabling him to supply fresh eggs to wholesalers, bakeries, stores, and households across Dinagat Islands. He adopted cost-saving techniques, created natural supplements for his chickens, and improved his poultry management through research and training.
Today, RL Layer Poultry has 300 laying hens and 207 RTL chickens, producing an 87–90% laying rate and giving Alingco a minimum monthly net income of ₱20,000.
Winning Support and Expanding Operations
In 2024, Alingco represented Cagdianao in the Anyag and Garbo sa Dinagat Islands event under the farmers’ category, winning the title “Garbo nan Dinagat Islands.” This recognition allowed him to request local government support, including backhoe assistance to improve his poultry farm’s site.
In 2025, he once again joined the Young Farmers Challenge – Upscale Category, where he won ₱300,000 at the regional level. This funding allowed him to add 1,000 more chickens, significantly increasing egg production.
Building Toward Food Security
Alingco’s next goal is to win the national Young Farmers Challenge, which would provide ₱500,000 to help him raise 2,000 more chickens. His long-term vision is to grow his farm to 5,000 hens, enough to supply 50% of Dinagat Islands’ egg demand.
“Agriculture is not just about livelihood. It is about building a sustainable future for our island and contributing to national food security,” Alingco emphasized.
Why This Story Matters
- Supports Food Security: Increasing local egg production reduces dependence on imports.
- Empowers Youth: Shows that agribusiness can be profitable for young farmers.
- Promotes Resilience: Demonstrates how government support and perseverance can turn disaster into opportunity.