Oton slaughterhouse strengthens Iloilo’s meat production safety
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. said he is looking forward to enjoying the meat produce of the newly-opened “AA” abattoir at Sitio So-oc, Brgy. Lambuyao in the municipality of Oton which will ensure a safe and quality meat for the Ilonggos.
On June 21, Defensor led the turnover to the municipality of Oton of the P59.918 million state-of-the-art facility which was funded through the Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP). He was joined by key provincial, municipal, and barangay officials and representatives from the Department of Agriculture.
The governor shared that he frequents the Oton Municipal Market during Sundays for an early breakfast or to buy pork and other meat products. He envisioned that with the operation of the slaughterhouse, small businesses will sprout along Barangay Lambuyao, leading to economic growth.
Defensor underscored the importance of observing biosecurity measures and food safety standards in the facility. “We should maintain the cleanliness of our slaughterhouse so we could cater to domestic tourists,” Defensor said.
The Double A facility adheres to the meat processing standards of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS).
It is also seen to strengthen the recovery of the swine industry which was adversely affected by the African Swine Fever. To recall, Oton logged the first case of ASF in the province and also suffered a huge loss due to the disease.
The facility can process 16 heads per hour for swine and 12 heads per day for cattle. It is expected to cater to Oton’s neighboring municipalities such as Alimodian, Tigbauan, San Miguel, Pavia, and even Iloilo City.
The abattoir project involves the construction of a 352-square meter slaughterhouse, 232-meter perimeter fence, 163-square meter holding pen, and 62.5-square meter boiler’s room.
The World Bank financed 64.29 percent of total project cost or P38.525 million, with a 27.67 percent equity from the Iloilo provincial government amounting to P16.578 million and P4.815 million (8.04%) counterpart from the Department of Agriculture. (Capitol news)
