An 'egg-cellent' business

MANILA, Philippines – Which came first, the chicken or the egg? This age-old question has sparked countless debates among scientists, academicians, and even your community “tambays”.

For Martin Ozaeta — a simple Batangueño, who hails from Lumil, San Jose — it is not important which came first, as long as it is economically rewarding.    

For almost 20 years now, Martin Ozaeta of GEMSUN Marketing has considered chicken eggs as his family’s bread and butter. Thanks to his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Rolando Virtusio, who first ventured into the poultry business, Martin learned the intricacies of poultry and egg business up-close and very personal.

Now managing his own business, 42-year old Martin sees to it that he attends personally to the needs of the farm. These include taking good care of the chicken, with the help of a consultant. Through the years he has learned and experienced a number of factors that pose health risks to the chicken, leading to infertility or even death.

Martin, who took up Commerce in college, believes that a business is not without hindrances. He remembers facing difficult times when he was just starting. Among them, he states, is maintaining a steady cash flow.

“Hindi naman basta-bastang negosyo ito, ” he quips, adding that this is primarily caused by fluctuations in the supply and demand situation.

“Kung December, pag malapit na ang Pasko, yan in-demand ang itlog, pag bakasyon yun ang lean, ” he added.

As far as cash or capital is concerned, he has a number of lending institutions and government programs, including those of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to thank for.

“Malaki ang naitulong ng DA sa amin lalong-lalu na si Secretary Yap. Ito’y dahil nung kinailangan naming mag-expand, naka-avail kami sa ACEF ng loan,” he said.

The ACEF or Agricultural Competi-tiveness Enhancement Fund is a special purpose fund created by Republic Act 8178 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996, specifically intended to finance projects and activities to enhance the agriculture and fisheries sectors. It financially supports farmers and fisherfolk, cooperatives and agribusiness entrepreneurs so they can expand their operations and viably compete in the domestic and global markets.

Martin has also partnered with the DA via the marketing assistance program Bagsakan Center, through which he is assured of a ready market for his produce in Marikina and Quezon City.

Martin’s project has indeed come a very long way.

GEMSUN today has redesigned its building to an AV-type to adapt to the changing environment and climate. An automatic drinking apparatus is also being utilized for easier management. Modern equipment such as generators, egg-grading machines, and sprayers are being used as well to ensure the safe and high quality production of eggs.

And through the years, Martin’s company has acquired a fleet of transport vehicles: seven closed vans, two refrigerated vans, two trucks for live hogs, and an L-300 van.  

Today, the poultry farm that stands on a two-hectare lot along Recto Ave. in San Jose, Batangas, has continued to provide financial stability to the Ozaeta family, as well as to some 55 neighbors who work as farm laborers.

Currently, it boasts of a daily harvest of close to 58,000 eggs, which are packed and delivered to several supermarkets in South Luzon and Metro Manila.

It has also diversified into a livestock farm managed by Martin’s better-half, Pilamar. The farm raises dozens of swine, and gives sustained livelihood and incomes to Lumil residents through its paiwi or grow-out program.

Now, the town of San Jose is recognized as the “egg basket of Luzon,” thanks to the efforts of poultry raisers and egg dealers like Martin — a truly excellent achievement for an egg-cellent and profitable enterprise. – DA Info Service