January 29, 2008

Philippines hog production to increase 3 percent this year

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) estimates a 2 - 3 percent increase in the country's hog production this year, with the prospect of boosting exports to neighboring Asian countries.

Agriculture secretary, Arthur Yap said that the industry will initiate exports as soon as the Singaporean quarantine group conducts its inspection of the country's pork processing facilities and gives favorable feedback.

The Singapore veterinary group was expected to arrive yesterday and go straight to pork facilities in General Santos City in Mindanao.

Mindanao houses the country's major abattoirs.

The Philippines is banking on a decision from the animal health body, the Office International des Epizooties (OIE), on May this year, declaring the Philippines free from the foot-and-mouth disease.

The Bureau of Animal Industry assured that the export of pork products to other countries would not tighten domestic supply and raise pork prices.

Yap is counting that Singapore's imports might spur other Asian countries to follow.