Iloilo to build P30-M abattoir, aims for economic boost

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Iloilo provincial government, in partnership with the World Bank, is set to put up a state-of-the-art P29.95 million abattoir in Concepcion, as part of efforts to deliver superior quality meat to consumers.

The groundbreaking event on March 8, 2024 was presided over by Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., alongside Provincial Administrator Raul Banias, PRDP Deputy Project Director Engr. Jose Albert Barrogo, Mayor Milliard Villanueva, and local officials including Punong Barangay Rizalino Panes.

Joining them were Provincial Engineer Romeo Andig, Provincial Veterinarian Dr. Darel Tabuada, Provincial Planning and Development Officer Mario Nillos, and Executive Assistant to the Governor, Niel Tupas III.

With a processing capacity of 50 swine and 8 cattle per day, the facility is set to meet the National Meat Inspection Service’s standards.

It will feature a holding pen, boiler, generator set room, water treatment, and decomposing chambers, prioritizing animal welfare, food safety, and environmental sustainability.

Defensor underscored the abattoir’s anticipated contribution to local employment and economic expansion through the creation of quality meat products.

He also touched upon the strategy to counter African Swine Fever (ASF) disruptions.

“We export 8,000 swine heads to Luzon every month, but we don’t process pork products. With a high-standard slaughterhouse, we can have a processed pork industry. Instead of exporting heads, we should export processed meat. It will give us an additional source of revenue,” Defensor said.

Engr. Andig projected that upon completion, the abattoir will notably reduce butcher fees, cutting the cost for cattle from P2,000 to P800 and for swine from P600 to P405.

Occupying a 4,407-square-meter area, the facility’s anticipated finish date is September 2024.

This project is part of the Philippine Rural Development Project under the Department of Agriculture, financed with 80 percent from the World Bank and the remaining 20 percent equally divided between the DA and the provincial government.