July 16, 2007

Poultry, hog farms may shut down in Philippines' Davao City due to zoning plan

The Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (DCCCII) said ten percent of livestock and poultry farms in the city might close down due to the government's zonification plan.

Livestock and poultry sector chair Simeon Soriano, however, said the zonification plan is "unclear" and could derail the city's economy as livestock and poultry are major livelihood sectors in the area.

Soriano said other factors of the closure might include high cost of production and permanent facilities at high costs only to be dismantled due to the complaints of residents.

Soriano cited 10 large poultry farms in barangay Sirawan, Toril, Davao City are subject for closures due to health and sanitary considerations. He said these poultry farms have been the main source of income for many poor families.

Soriano is one of the owners of Monte Maria Poultry Farm in Catalunan Grande, which was closed last year upon orders of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte on claims of foul odor.

The Monte Maria Poultry Farm is currently in the process of relocating in Calinan at considerable amount of expenses, Soriano said.

For a layer farm, an investor has to shell an initial investment of P2.5 million (US$54,900) of which P1.5 million (US$32,940) is spent for 6,000 birds (chicken/hens).