Panganiban to induct new PAMPI officers

Agriculture Secretary Domingo F. Panganiban will induct the new set officers of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors of the Philippines, Inc. (PAMPI) at the prime tourist destination of Panglao Island in Bohol on March 30, coinciding with the group’s 17th anniversary celebration.

PAMPI groups 35 of the largest food companies in the Philippines, with combined annual revenues of P70 billion, representing 90 percent of the country’s total income from the meat processing sector.

With the theme "Fostering a Strong Partnership with the Government for Economic Recovery," the induction to be held at the Bohol Beach Club at 7 p.m. highlights the contribution of the multi-billion meat processing industry to the Philippine economy.

To be inducted into the PAMPI board are Felix Tiukinhoy Jr. of Virginia Foods Inc., who was reelected for the eighth time as president; Allan Castro of Purefoods Hormel Corp., vice president; Julie Manalo of Nenita’s Farms, secretary; Joyce Alcoreza of Dealco Inc., treasurer; and Jerome Ong of Foodsphere Inc.; PRO.

Elected as board directors of PAMPI are Rey Lapid of R. Lapid’s Chicharon, Ricky Hizon of Pampanga’s Best, Butch Prieto of Swift Foods Inc., and Ted Po of the Pacific Meat Co. Inc.

According to Francisco J. Buencamino, who was reappointed as PAMPI executive director, the event will draw attention to the importance of forging a close alliance between the government, particularly the Department of Agriculture, and the private sector represented by local producers and meat processors in making available to the Filipino consumers high-quality and affordable meat products.

Buencamino noted that the local meat processing industry provides 60,000 direct and indirect jobs and supports businesses such as packaging, canning, advertising, printing, media, retail trade, among others.