Cage-Free Eggs in the Philippines: Growing Demand and Farm Adoption

Cage-free egg production, recognized as more humane as opposed to the intensive confinement in factory farms, is gaining 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 freely, nor lay eggs privately and comfortably, is gaining traction in the Philippines. 

Why Cage-Free Is Gaining Popularity in the Philippine

Leading global companies like McDonald’s, KFC, Starbucks, Nestle, and many others have recognized the cage-free revolution and have committed to sourcing 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.

How Businesses Can Support Cage-Free

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 have committed to or shifted to cage-free egg use. Salad Stop, a leading health-conscious chain in Asia, has been using cage-free eggs in the Philippines. 

As consumers are becoming more conscious, egg farms must ensure the 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.

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 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, which will reflect on the quality of the eggs they produce. 

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

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

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 would also get the much-needed attention to end all forms of cruelty against them.