Export-grade slaughterhouse to be put up in Batangas

MANILA, Philippines - An export-grade slaughterhouse for hogs in Tanauan, Batangas that would service the tolling needs of pig raisers in neighboring provinces will be completed this year, according to Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

Interviewed on the sidelines of the recently-held 5th INAGHEN International Animal Health, Genetics & Nutrition Congress held, Alcala said  AAA abattoir would allow hog raisers in Batangas, Quezon, Laguna and Cavite to process meat for the export market.

“This will greatly help the industry,” said Alcala.

Of the total allocation of P150 million, the Agriculture chief said P120 million have so far been downloaded.

“We can finance other equipment needed,” he said.

The local government of Batangas would co-manage the abattoir and  facilitate the communication with hog raisers.

The Tanauan abattoir can process 250 hogs per day.

Slaughterhouses are classified into three classes: A, AA, AAA.

AAA slaughterhouses are abattoirs with the proper facilities for export production while A and AA slaughterhouses are  equipped to serve the domestic market. A-rated abattoirs have a lesser production capacity than AA-rated ones.

Three other slaughterhouses are expected to be put up this year.

To be built in Bamban, Tarlac is a P120 million AAA poultry slaughterhouse and trading center.