BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Six local government units in Negros Occidental are getting P50 million each for the construction of a slaughterhouse in their respective areas.
This is a big boost to the hog industry in Negros Occidental, which is the part of the food security program under the administration of Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson, according to Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz.
The Philippine Rural Development Project facilitated the access of funds from the World Bank for the construction of slaughter houses in the province, Diaz said.
Of the six “Double A” standard slaughterhouses, Diaz disclosed that the construction projects in Cauayan and Hinobaan are now up for bidding.
On the other hand, the bidding for slaughterhouses in Murcia, Binalbagan, Toboso and San Carlos City will follow, with EB Magalona catching up, Diaz said.
Each slaughterhouse has a budget of P50 million, with 80 percent of the grants coming from the WB, 10 percent equity taken from the province, and 10 percent from the Department of Agriculture, he added.
“The project aims to improve the safety of food, especially meat products, which should be processed in the slaughterhouses to minimize contamination,” Diaz further said, noting that backyard slaughtered meat products are often dirty.
The food security program of Negros Occidental was highlighted by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson during his inaugural address, upon assuming his second term as the province’s chief executive.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental is planning to set aside a total of P3.4 billion to finance the Abanse Negrense flagship programs in the next three years.
It will be used to fund various projects and programs in agricultural competitiveness improvement and food security; building roads, bridges and other vital infrastructure; advancement of economic, trade investment and employment opportunities; nurturing the people’s health and welfare, and ensuring peace and order and public safety; sustainable environmental management and tourism development; enhancement of access to quality education, cultural, sports and ICT development; and the Negrense brand of good governance.*
