The intense heat experienced in the Philippines  has begun to impact egg production in some local poultry farms in San Jose in Batangas, known as the "Egg Basket of the Philippines."

The heat has reportedly reduced the quality of eggs.

"Ang nagiging epekto nito [is] yung pagliit ng itlog, yun ang nagiging epekto niya. Bumababa 'yung production natin. Awa naman ng Diyos, ayos naman ang supply natin [at] hindi nagkukulang… ang quality naman yun nga lang minsan ang problema natin, [napansin] ng buyer na lumiit ang itlog," Irene Latorre, the Poultry Farm Secretary, said.

Some eggs are also reported to have thinner shells, affecting their shelf life.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) attributes the intense heat to the lingering easterlies, which bring warm air from the Pacific Ocean, resulting in sweltering conditions.

Sherwin Mercado, the Municipal Agriculturist, said the stress induced by the heat may hinder chickens' ability to lay eggs properly.

"Parang tao din, mainitin ang ulo, mainit ang pakiramdam... 'yung concentration na supposed to be dapat sa production [ng egg], dahil sa init, yun yung lagi nilang nararamdaman... Medyo over supply tayo kaya medyo mababa o mabagal yung galaw ng itlog ngayon sa merkado," Mercado said.

Some poultry farm owners have increased the number of egg layers, contributing to the surplus in supply without corresponding rise in demand.

Despite the challenges faced by the local poultry industry, one egg supplier and retailer from Taguig, Rey Balce, still prefers eggs from San Jose due to perceived better quality.

"Maraming nagsasabi na kapag parteng Norte medyo madali raw masira yung egg gawa ng sobrang init. So, kumpara dito sa Batangas farm, alam mo naman napakalamig ng klima dito, gawa nang syempre, nasa panahon iyan, kung nae-expose yung egg sa init, may tendency na masira. Kaya nagdidirekta na rin ako dito kung ano yung quality ng egg," Balce said.

PROACTIVE MEASURES

Poultry farms are administering electrolytes and egg enhancers to chickens and monitoring their growth closely.

"Ang ibinigay namin ay yung electrolytes at tsaka yung pampalaki ng itlog. Amino... nabe-base natin yan sa pagtingin ng itlog, araw-araw. Titingnan natin kung lumalaki baga yung itlog o lumiliit, depende doon sa pinabababang production," Latorre said.

The Municipal Agriculture and Veterinary Office conducts weekly monitoring and check-ups on poultry farms in San Jose, to ensure the well-being of chickens.

Mercado advises poultry farm owners to prioritize hydration, stress-free environments, and regular coordination with local veterinarians.

"'Yung paglalagay ng mga electrolytes, huwag pawawalan ng tubig yung kanilang mga manok and ventilation ng kanilang building. May malalaking exhaust fan sila and electric fans... Sa lahat ng ating mga suppliers tsaka producers dito sa San jose, Batangas, we encourage you na panatalihing well-hydrated ang mga manok, free from stress, and coordination lang sa inyong local veterinarians at sa aming opisina kapag may problems tayo," he said.