P83-M abattoir opens in Iloilo

Senator Franklin M. Drilon (inset, 2^nd from right) and Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala lead the formal inauguration of the P83-million ‘double-A’ slaughterhouse in Barangay Tacas, Jaro, Iloilo City, November 16, 2012.

The abattoir’s upgrading was initiated by Senator Drilon who shared P40M from his Priority Development Assistance Fund, while the Department of Agriculture provided P31.5M under the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF), and the Iloilo City government pitched in P11.5M. It is equipped with mechanized slaughtering and cutting equipment, 50-ton cold storage facility, wastewater filtration system, holding pen and a delivery van. It can slaughter up to 50 head of large animals (cattle, horse and carabao), 400 head of hogs, and 60 head of small ruminants (goat and sheep). Secretary Alcala said the DA through the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) will allot an additional P20M next year to further upgrade it into a ‘triple A’ facility. (Photo by Alan Jay Jacalan, DA Information Service)