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Maitum Youth Turns Poultry Passion into Agri Enterprise

 

Maitum Youth Turns Poultry Passion into Agri Enterprise

What began as a modest effort to fund his college education—raising just 20 broiler chickens in his backyard—soon grew into something far more meaningful for Daniel Russiana. The young resident of Maitum, Sarangani Province, discovered not only a source of income but a way to address a pressing local issue: the shortage of fresh, dressed chicken in their community.

After graduating from college, Daniel committed himself to poultry farming, driven by a mission to help improve food access in Maitum. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly drew attention. The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Office invited him to join a meeting of youth entrepreneurs, where he was later elected president of the Young Entrepreneurs Organization of Maitum (YEOM).

With guidance from the Department of Trade and Industry, Daniel participated in training sessions and seminars to sharpen his business skills. Support from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist soon followed, which led to his endorsement for the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program.


What began as a modest effort to fund his college education—raising just 20 broiler chickens in his backyard—soon grew into something far more meaningful for Daniel Russiana. The young resident of Maitum, Sarangani Province, discovered not only a source of income but a way to address a pressing local issue: the shortage of fresh, dressed chicken in their community. After graduating from college, Daniel committed himself to poultry farming, driven by a mission to help improve food access in Maitum. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly drew attention. The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Office invited him to join a meeting of youth entrepreneurs, where he was later elected president of the Maitum Young Entrepreneurs. With guidance from the Department of Trade and Industry, Daniel participated in training sessions and seminars to sharpen his business skills. Support from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist soon followed, which led to his endorsement for the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program. Daniel showcased his ethical farming practices through Feathr, his agri enterprise. His farm uses rice hulls and indigenous microorganisms to neutralize the odor of chicken waste, and mosquito nets to reduce fly infestations, highlighting his commitment to sustainability and community health. His dedication paid off when he emerged as both the Provincial and Regional winner of the YFC program, receiving a ₱80,000 grant at the provincial level and an additional ₱150,000 grant as the regional winner representing Sarangani Province in Region 12. He represented Region 12 in the National YFC event held on July 17, 2025, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, competing in the Production Category. Although he didn’t clinch the national prize, he remained undeterred. Now, he’s preparing to return through the YFC Upscale Program with fresh ideas and an even stronger vision. Daniel aims to stabilize and expand Feathr, tap into wider markets, and advocate for organic practices in poultry farming. But above all, he hopes to create opportunities for his hometown. “I was inspired by the young entrepreneurs of our town. I want to help Maitum. I want to help generate local employment and other agricultural opportunities,” he said.


Daniel showcased his ethical farming practices through Feathr, his agri enterprise. His farm uses rice hulls and indigenous microorganisms to neutralize the odor of chicken waste, and mosquito nets to reduce fly infestations, highlighting his commitment to sustainability and community health.

His dedication paid off when he emerged as both the Provincial and Regional winner of the YFC program, receiving a ₱80,000 grant at the provincial level and an additional ₱150,000 grant as the regional winner representing Sarangani Province in Region 12.

He represented Region 12 in the National YFC event held on July 17, 2025, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, competing in the Production Category. Although he did not clinch the national prize, he remained undeterred. Now, he is preparing to return through the YFC Upscale Program with fresh ideas and an even stronger vision.


What began as a modest effort to fund his college education—raising just 20 broiler chickens in his backyard—soon grew into something far more meaningful for Daniel Russiana. The young resident of Maitum, Sarangani Province, discovered not only a source of income but a way to address a pressing local issue: the shortage of fresh, dressed chicken in their community. After graduating from college, Daniel committed himself to poultry farming, driven by a mission to help improve food access in Maitum. His entrepreneurial spirit quickly drew attention. The Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Office invited him to join a meeting of youth entrepreneurs, where he was later elected president of the Maitum Young Entrepreneurs. With guidance from the Department of Trade and Industry, Daniel participated in training sessions and seminars to sharpen his business skills. Support from the Office of the Municipal Agriculturist soon followed, which led to his endorsement for the Department of Agriculture’s Young Farmers Challenge (YFC) program. Daniel showcased his ethical farming practices through Feathr, his agri enterprise. His farm uses rice hulls and indigenous microorganisms to neutralize the odor of chicken waste, and mosquito nets to reduce fly infestations, highlighting his commitment to sustainability and community health. His dedication paid off when he emerged as both the Provincial and Regional winner of the YFC program, receiving a ₱80,000 grant at the provincial level and an additional ₱150,000 grant as the regional winner representing Sarangani Province in Region 12. He represented Region 12 in the National YFC event held on July 17, 2025, at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, competing in the Production Category. Although he didn’t clinch the national prize, he remained undeterred. Now, he’s preparing to return through the YFC Upscale Program with fresh ideas and an even stronger vision. Daniel aims to stabilize and expand Feathr, tap into wider markets, and advocate for organic practices in poultry farming. But above all, he hopes to create opportunities for his hometown. “I was inspired by the young entrepreneurs of our town. I want to help Maitum. I want to help generate local employment and other agricultural opportunities,” he said.


Daniel aims to stabilize and expand Feathr, tap into wider markets, and advocate for organic practices in poultry farming. But above all, he hopes to create opportunities for his hometown.

“I was inspired by the young entrepreneurs of our town. I want to help Maitum. I want to help generate local employment and other agricultural opportunities,” he said.
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