Showcasing MSMEs: Transitioning from Pork to Itik – The Transformation of AquChickBoy Meat Shop and General Merchandize
Located in San Mateo, Isabela, AquChickBoy Meat Shop and General Merchandize, owned by Dr. Rofel P. Gamiao, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate, began its business journey initially focusing on feed dealership and hog raising to complement its meat operations, supplying both fresh and processed pork. However, with the onset of the African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreak in 2019, the business underwent a significant shift. Dr. Gamiao pivoted towards duck farming, adopting ITIK PINAS’ advanced duck raising technology in 2020. This transition included the acquisition of incubators to process duck eggs into a Filipino delicacy known as “Balut.”
Balut, often hailed as the classic Filipino street food and popular across several ASEAN nations including Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and China, is crafted from incubated duck eggs. Its name, “balut,” originates from the traditional practice of wrapping or covering the eggs during the incubation process.
Extensive research underscores the cultural and nutritional significance of balut. Beyond its longstanding cultural heritage, balut boasts a rich nutritional profile, providing essential amino acids, Vitamin A, Zinc, Iodine, Calcium, and Riboflavin. Experts suggest that consuming balut once daily offers numerous health benefits.
Meanwhile, ITIK PINAS technology represents a breakthrough in duck breeding, developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) in collaboration with the National Swine and Poultry Research and Development Center-Bureau of Animal Industry (NSPRDC-BAI). This innovative breed exhibits resistance to diseases and thrives in the local climate, resulting in significantly reduced mortality rates. Furthermore, ITIK PINAS ducks lay a remarkable average of 266 eggs annually, each weighing 65 grams, meeting the precise requirements for balut production. These ducks commence egg-laying at 22-23 weeks of age and sustain egg production for a year or more.
Currently, AquChickBoy benefits from the LIPAD Project, which stands for “Levelling-Up of Innovative Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources-based Startups/Spinoffs thru Promotion, Assistance, and Development.” This collaborative initiative between the Department of Science and Technology Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST-PCAARRD) and the University of the Philippines Institute for Small-Scale Industries (UP ISSI) aims to support Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources (AANR)-based enterprises by providing commercialization support, capability building, mentorship, and business matching services.
For further inquiries regarding AquChickBoy’s products, contact DOST-PCAARRD-ISU- Agri Aqua Technology Business Incubation at CVSRRC in Echague, Isabela, via email at isu.cvsrrc@gmail.com or rofelgamiao@gmail.com, or by phone at 0965-542-5626 and 09175550473.