July 10, 2007

Pending certification stalls first Philippine pork exports

What should have been the Philippines' first exports of fresh frozen pork has been delayed due to pending validation of Singapore -- the country's supposed first pork importer -- on the processing plants and piggeries in Mindanao, according to an industry executive.

Stephen Castillo, general manager of Matutum Meat Packing Corporation based in Polomolok, South Cotabato, said they are still awaiting the arrival of Singaporean delegation that will audit the status of the swine industry in the region.

Early this year, Matutum Meat is one of two Mindanao pork meat processing firms tapped by the Department of Agriculture to embark on the country's first foreign shipment of cut pork parts.

The other is the Nenita Quality Foods Corporation based in the Davao region.

Castillo said Singaporean inspectors would not issue an export certification unless they will again visit the area.

Singaporean experts arrived in Mindanao last year to initially assess the condition of the swine industry in the area.

Castillo is confident that newly constructed plant of Matutum Meat will pass the rigid standards of Singapore.