Cage-free egg production system gains traction in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines — Cage-free egg production, recognized as more humane as opposed to the intensive confinement in factory farms where hens can’t spread their wings, forage free, nor lay eggs privately and comfortably, is gaining traction in the Philippines. 

Leading global companies like McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, Nestle and many others, have recognized the cage-free revolution and have committed to source from cage-free producers in the coming years. 

The cage-free revolution in the country is underway and Animal Kingdom Foundation Inc. (AKF), a local NGO, has been leading the campaign since 2018. 

Recognizing that farm animal welfare has not been given that much attention, AKF is doing a holistic approach where consumers, producers and food establishments are educated through its various campaigns about the benefits of using cage-free eggs. 

Recognizing that farm animal welfare has not been given that much attention, AKF is doing a holistic approach where consumers, producers, and food establishments are educated through its various campaigns about the benefits of using cage-free eggs.

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In August 2021, AKF launched its first virtual training to support farmers in their responsible and higher welfare egg production goals. 

Today, several local food establishments committed or shifted to cage-free egg use. Salad Stop, a leading health-conscious chain in Asia, has been using cage-free eggs. 

As consumers are becoming more conscious, egg farms must ensure higher welfare of food sources.

Bounty Fresh, a leading egg producer, and other small groups have been collaborating with AKF regarding the cage-free campaign.

AKF is doing a holistic approach where consumers, producers and food establishments are educated through its various campaigns about the benefits of using cage-free eggs.

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Partnerships such as these manifest the sustainability of the cage-free structure that is highly encouraging for small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). 

AKF recently achieved a milestone as its initiated cage-free egg production standards were approved by the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS). The first of its kind, the standards will ensure good management of cage-free egg farms and protect the public from buying falsely promoted cage-free products. 

According to AKF Program Director Atty. Heidi Caguioa, the standards promote improved welfare for the hens that will reflect on the quality of the eggs they produce. 

“If our eggs are sourced in a cruel condition where hens could not move around, the only egg it can produce is a stressed egg,” says Caguioa. 

Through its cage-free campaign, AKF hopes to end the sufferings of egg-laying hens confined in cages.

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When asked why Filipinos should use cage-free eggs, Caguioa hastily replies, “Hens in cages suffer the most in their lives when, arguably, they provide us with the most affordable source of protein.” 

AKF recognizes the suffering of egg-laying hens and through its campaign wishes to end this cycle of abuse. 

AKF recognizes the fact that its cage-free advocacy will become the foundation for other campaigns to be more inclusive of other animals like carrying the cause for the much-maligned egg-producing hens. 

As Animal Welfare Week is celebrated this October, AKF wishes that farm animals like hens will also get the much-needed attention to end all forms of cruelty against them.