Local poultry, swine raisers urged to expand market
Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Arthur Yap said Ilonggos should take advantage of the opportunity to provide different areas in the city and same time export poultry and hog products as the country remains free from bird flu and foot-and-mouth disease. As such, the department wants to expand the operation of the abattoir in the town of Leganes and Iloilo City.
Yap said the Philippines is the only country in Asia that remains free from bird flu and foot-and-mouth disease. Iloilo, which is one of the top shippers of hogs and chickens in Metro Manila should consider expanding its market especially in the foreign market.
Bird flu or avian influenza is a disease of animals caused by viruses that normally infect only birds, less commonly pigs. While all bird species are thought to be susceptible to infection, domestic poultry flicks are especially vulnerable to infections that can rapidly reach epidemic proportions.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a viral disease that causes hogs, sheep and cattle to blister on their mouths and tongues, and reduces milk and meat production. It can be carried by the wind and on the vehicles and clothes of people who come into contact with infected animals.
He encouraged the raisers and producers to try to penetrate the foreign market such as China, Japan and Korea. The country technically is a ready market for meat and other poultry products. Yap also said the country is set to make their first shipment of meat products to Singapore by September.
The opening of new markets here and abroad for local produce is one of the five-point agenda of the administration to keep the agricultural sector on a high growth and profitability for small farmers and fisher folk. The five-point program covers higher public spending on (1) infrastructure, (2) technology and extension services, and (3) post harvest and storage facilities; (4) expanding access to rural credit; and (5) opening up new markets here and abroad for local produce.
Yap added that Iloilo producers should also try to meet the demands of the local and same time provide the needs of those areas considered as tourist destinations particularly in the central Philippines. This could be done with the help of high standards abattoir. It is the same reason that the agriculture department wants to to invest for the expansion of the abattoir in Leganes and Iloilo City.
The slaughterhouse in Leganes has long been operational while the construction of the double AA abattoir in the city is still on-going. The city government is even asking for additional P10.6 million from the department to complete its construction.