Batangas has achieved a milestone for its first certified cage-free egg house, strengthening its role as the nation’s egg capital.
It marked as turning point in Philippine egg production, signaling a shift toward humane and sustainable farming.
For decades, the province has been recognized as the ‘egg capital of the Philippines.’
Most farms relied on battery cages, a system criticized for limiting hen welfare.
That narrative is beginning to change. Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) has certified the first cage-free egg house in the province, a milestone that sets a new benchmark for the industry.
SLC Agri-Farm Ventures Inc, based in San Jose, Batangas, completed its transition to cage-free housing for laying hens.
“We are proud to be the first in Batangas to achieve this certification,” said SLC Agri-Farm Ventures owner Sonny Castillo.
“This is our way of showing that we care for the welfare of our hens.”
Freedom for hens, confidence for buyers
The certification reflects AKF’s broader Go Cage-Free campaign, which advocates humane egg production nationwide. The group had earlier certified Bounty Farms Inc and Robina Farms.
More than symbolic, the certification demonstrates that cage-free systems can be viable in the Philippines, where consumer demand for ethically produced food is growing. AKF’s seal assures buyers that farms meet strict welfare standards.
By Lane Afable
