May 17, 2007

Philippine poultry sector eyes increased exports this year

Boosting chicken exports from 5,000 to 10,000 metric tonnes is the aim of the Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators (PABI) this year, targeting Japan as the main market.

PABI officials told the Manila Bulletin the country has already shipped 1,000 tonnes of chicken to Japan last year and is tapping other lucrative markets such as Hong Kong.

The group is also helping the government monitor 20 "hotspot bird flu areas" countrywide to keep the nation free from the dreaded diseases as well as boosting its chances of meeting its export target.

The critical areas now being strictly monitored by the government are Agusan del Norte - Lake Mainit, Agusan del Sur, Cagayan - Aparri, Cebu - Olango Island, Cotabato - Ligwasan Marsh in Kabacan, General Santos City, Ilocos Norte - Pagudpod, Isabela - Magat Dam, Mindoro - Naujan Lake, Negros Occidental - Himamaylan, Palawan - Quezon, Pampanga - Candaba swamp, Panay Island - Roxas and Capiz, Sibugay Province, Surigao del Norte, Sorsogon - Bulan and Matnog, Surigao del Sur, Zamboanga City, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agency Bureau of Animal Industry conducts a regular surveillance to these critical areas which are frequented by migratory birds from October to December and another in April to June.

The government has been on guard in inspecting bird flu-risk areas due to its dense poultry population as poultry farmers are aiming to restore the country's potential as chicken exporters which have been hampered by the H5N3 contamination of ducks in the province of Bulacan in 2005.