October 9, 2006
 

Philippines has ample chicken supply

Philippine Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. has assured the nation of enough supply of chicken in the coming holidays, contrary to the claims of the Department of Agriculture.

The senator told the Philippine Star that typhoon "Milenyo" (international name: Xangsane) has little effect as far as chicken industry nationwide is concerned.

Only a small portion of Central Luzon was ravaged by Milenyo, he added.

Magsaysay, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, said importing chicken could only create an artificial shortage and cause an increase in the price of locally produced chicken.

The country is already self-sufficient in chicken because of mass production in almost all parts of the country, he added.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban expressed his desire to import three million kilos of chicken from the US to meet the expected surge in demand during the Christmas season.

 However, Magsaysay disagreed with Panganiban, saying that importation would only meant "kickbacks" to some corrupt officials as it is an easy way to raise money.

He instead pushed for a stop to the rampant importation of pork and beef, saying shortage reports should be verified before resorting into importation.