Iloilo City - sets the stage for an enhancement in the quality of its meat products with the forthcoming construction of a modern slaughterhouse, intended to supersede the antiquated facility in Barangay Tacas, Jaro.
According to Philippines News Agency, an agreement was formalized on Monday with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), represented by Iloilo Branch Senior Assistant Vice President Rodel Bustillo. Mayor Jerry Treñas announced the partnership, which includes a PHP180 million loan to fund the slaughterhouse's development. In a statement released on Tuesday, Mayor Treñas pointed out the city's growth as the driving force behind the upgrade to match its development trajectory.
The financing agreement stretches over 15 years and includes a three-year grace period before repayments commence. Aiming for a AAA classification, the new facility is set to be constructed adjacent to the current abattoir. In pursuit of ensuring high standards, the butchers working at the facility will receive training from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), enhancing their capability to handle the state-of-the-art equipment and processes that will be introduced.
The Local Economic Enterprise Office (LEEO), headed by Maricel Mabaquiao and responsible for the city's slaughterhouse operations, confirmed NMIS's technical support for the project. Comparatively, the old abattoir currently processes approximately 200 to 300 swine and 30 to 50 cattle heads each day. The new, mechanized slaughterhouse will have the capacity to accommodate over 500 heads daily, expanding its service to include livestock from outside Iloilo City, with the potential of exporting meat products to other regions while ensuring superior food quality and safety standards.