GMA urges private sector to help develop Mindanao

President Arroyo urged the private sector yesterday to assume an active role in organizing business activities that will accelerate the economic development of Mindanao.

In a statement issued on the occasion of the inauguration of the Swift Foods, Inc. poultry processing facilities in Misamis Oriental, the President said: "Being a firm believer in the private sector as the engine of economic growth, I am encouraged to see the initiative of Swift in Northern Mindanao, a manifestation that the company shares the government’s vision to develop the region."

Swift Foods, Inc. president and COO Bernie Concepcion has announced the expansion of the company’s poultry operations in Northern Mindanao into a much larger, integrated operational facility capable of serving the growing markets of the country.

The move will consist of several stages, including the establishment of Swift’s biggest dressing plant and further processing facility in Misamis Oriental.

As the world gets smaller with globalization, President Arroyo said, "It is inspiring to see local industries taking major steps to gain competitive advantage by fully harnessing the resources of our countryside. It is precisely this kind of business leadership that holds out the best hope for developing our country’s vast potential for the future."

Concepcion also added the company’s decision to extend its sphere of operations in the south was part of its commitment to the President’s call to help develop Mindanao.

Concepcion said Swift’s primary focus this year is the overall development of its poultry operations in order to meet the Filipino consumers’ increasing demand for quality chicken products. "And what better place to achieve this task than in Northern Mindanao, our country’s food basket," he said.

Swift has established a strong patronage among consumers nationwide for its high quality "Sariwanok," Swift Lean," and "Pinoy BBQ" products. Swift operations in Northern Mindanao have consistently been the company’s best performing branch among its nationwide network.

With Swift’s new facilities in place, local officials also foresee the further development of the region’s agricultural sector and more business opportunities that will generate employment for thousands of Filipinos living in the region.

Partnerships with local entrepreneurs will also lead to better levels of productivity and efficiency in Swift’s poultry operations. "This expansion is of major importance to both the local workforce and farming community," Concepcion said. "Not only that, it will also ensure that consumers can get a consistent supply of quality Swift products."

"With globalization taking place, Swift’s expansion in Northern Mindanao is a move in the right direction. The region definitely offers a competitive advantage in poultry raising and other related industries because of its favorable climate as well as the availability of skilled workers and accessible transport facilities. That’s why support is crucial for the region’s development," Concepcion said.