City eyes joint venture for P139-M slaughterhouse project

The Iloilo City government and the private sector will undertake the much-awaited rehabilitation of the Iloilo City slaughterhouse under a joint venture project.

The city government assisted by the Public-Private Partnership Center of the Philippines and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) conducted a public consultation last Oct 22, 2021 to discuss the conceptual design and technical aspects of the infrastructure project.

With an estimated project cost of P139.35 million, the proposed joint venture will be implemented by the Iloilo City government and a private sector partner.

The private sector will design, finance, construct, and operate and maintain the project, within a 25-year concession period.

In his message, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas encouraged the private sector and stakeholders to support the big-ticket project in order to help Iloilo City recover from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The potential revenue for this project is worth your time and investment. May this stakeholders’ meeting offer a blueprint for local leaders, private partners, and participants in ensuring a dynamic and progressive Iloilo City,” he said.

The Iloilo City Slaughterhouse project aims to capacitate the existing slaughterhouse and increase its animal head production by improving the facilities.

Through the project, the city hopes to secure the Double-A accreditation from the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) which will ensure that the meat coming from the slaughterhouse will be safe and reliable.

Once completed, the project will be the first NMIS-accredited slaughterhouse in Iloilo.

Aside from the mayor, PPPC Project Development Service Director Atty. Maria Lerma Advincula, PPPC project manager, Mary Rose Santillan, Iloilo City PPP-Selection Committee and City Planning and Development Coordinator Jose Roni S.J. Penalosa, National Meat Inspection Services-RTOC 6 Director Dr. Fernando N. Lontoc, USAID Partners, private organization leaders, meat vendors, and other stakeholders participated in the public consultation. (ERS)