THE country’s gamefowl industry is expected to become more vibrant in the coming years.
The industry is even getting bigger and better, according to Senator Cynthia A. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.
Villar was quoted as saying that gamefowl expos are effective platforms for the industry players to showcase their products and services.
It is also an opportunity for gamefowl raisers, breeders, hobbyists, and traders to be able to network and take advantage of business opportunities in starting local and international partnerships with the other participants from here and abroad.
Local and international festivals can also be a venue for animal raisers, backyard farmers, breeders, small and large-scale farm owners, as well as gamefowl enthusiasts and hobbyists to compare notes and to be updated on the latest trends.
On the other hand, Rafael “Nene” Abello, who is described by enthusiasts as a “living legend,” a true gentleman, a world-renowned gamefowl champion, and a well-respected gamefowl breeder, said the “future is very bright” for people who are involved in rooster fighting, including all the others that are supplying feeds and other materials needed by the industry.
Many people are now employed under this sector, and proportionately, the backyard raisers could be spending less, and their chickens may not be of good quality, but there are still buyers for that kind of chickens.
Sometimes, there are people who want to buy quality chickens and spend money, but there are also those who want to buy cheaper ones for the lesser derbies.
For the past 20 years, the growth of the industry can be attributed to the rising awareness and desire of most Filipinos.
Many Filipinos, especially those who are interested in venturing into gamefowl raising, are becoming aware of the industry because it can offer an opportunity for investment and gains, which can also be credited to the advancement of information technology in the country.
Cockfighting can likewise be a source of personal satisfaction, entertainment, and unique excitement.
The availability of resources has also triggered the growth of the industry because many Filipinos, particularly those in the countryside, can look for ways to source available cash, of course within their respective means, to finance the raising and keeping of gamefowl – as a hobby, sport, or even enterprise.
With the growth of the sector, industry players were immediately on hand to supply the needs of the raisers – by producing feeds, distributing medicines and supplements, vaccines, and other equipment and facilities to become readily available.
Due to the frequency of cockfights that are being held almost daily in the different areas of the Philippines, the demand for gamefowls is steadily increasing – an indication that the “sabong” industry is something to reckon with.
The industry has lots of opportunities to offer, but one has to have the right knowledge and know-how in order to succeed.
But the best way is to learn the intricacies yourself, and to study the knowledge of experts by partnering with them and heed their advices. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
