Manila, Feb. 14 -- The Negros Occidental provincial government on Friday awarded PHP2 million worth of support package for balut (fertilized duck egg) production to former rebel group chapters and farmers associations across the province.

Ten beneficiaries were identified under the Itik-Pinas Raising for Balut and Salted Egg Project implemented by the Provincial Veterinary Office for the Animal and Poultry Dispersal for Priority Areas with funding from the 2024 Peace and Order Fund.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, who led the project turnover at the capitol grounds here, said the province needs to fill the gap in its balut supply of about 700,000 pieces a month.

"Before the bird flu scare, we imported from other provinces. Right now, we ...