November 17, 2003

Philippines To Undertake Short-Term Chicken Imports
 

Members of the Philippine Association of Broiler Integrators (PABI) and the United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) have agreed upon the decision to undertake a short-term importation of chicken in Philippines.

Following a meeting with members of the PABI, Trade and Industry Secretary Manuel Roxas II announced that government would import up to one million kilograms of chicken to avert a shortage of chicken supply especially during the Holiday season.

Members of PABI include representatives of San Miguel Corp., Purefoods, Swift, Tysons, Universal Robina Corp. and Vitarich.

Roxas said poultry farms had culled some of their breeders a couple of months ago following the damage caused by typhoon Harurot to the local corn crop.

The poultry raisers, not wanting to feed their excess chicken stock then with expensive imported corn, decided to cull not only their day-old chicks but also their breeders.

Unfortunately, because of the culling, chicken prices have risen to a high of P95 per kilo causing concern among local consumers.

In the past, members of PABI and UBRA were vehemently opposed to such importation because it depressed chicken prices in the country.

Roxas assured, though, that the special importation would be time bound as the supply of chicken is expected to ease by January when the current stock of chicken has matured.