October 13, 2023

 

Philippines president visits San Miguel Poultry farm in Bulacan, Philippines

 

 

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited a San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) poultry farm in the Philippines to highlight and convince people that the future of the agricultural sector lies in its modernisation.

 

The  ₱3.34-billion (US$58.1 million) Magnolia Poultry Farm situated in a 921.91-hectare property in Hagonoy, Bulacan, aims to house 28 world-class climate-controlled farmhouses that will produce 80 million birds annually. The facility targets to produce dressed whole chickens, processed chickens (marinated and deboned) and other chicken parts (liver, intestines, etc.). It has an estimated total annual capacity of 66.81 million kilogrammes.

 

The farm features environmental controls, biosecurity measures, modernised feeding and watering systems, efficient waste management, and a modern farm layout and house design, among others, which would ensure optimal conditions for poultry production, resulting in high-quality and safe products.

 

It also implements an antimicrobial policy, aiming for a 100% antibiotic-free operation, (except when necessary for disease treatments). SMFI has implemented the policy in Isabela province and parts of Bicol region and aims to eliminate the use of antibiotics nationwide.

 

The SMFI farms also prioritise local sourcing, utilising raw materials from nearby producers and businesses for feed production and value-added processes of its popular Magnolia Chicken "Timplados."

 

Each farm is also expected to generate approximately 1,000 job opportunities, both directly and indirectly, with each facility prioritising the employment of individuals from the surrounding communities.

 

Marcos welcomed the increased poultry supply especially with the nearing holidays and peak season. He said an increase in prices of commodities is expected due to the demand surge but with modern farms such as SMFI's, consumers will no longer have to worry about poultry products supply and disparity in prices.

 

The president welcomed SMFI's plans to put up similar modern poultry farms in 11 other areas in the Philippines, adding that with the increase and safe poultry production, the needs of the people would be satisfied.

 

Marcos added that SMFI's farm would not affect the small fowl producers as the finished product would serve different markets.

 

Ramon Ang, San Miguel president and chief executive officer, said the Magnolia production would be used for its ready-to-eat products and would not be supplied to wet markets.

 

Ang added that he built the modern chicken farm in response to Marco's call to help the government ensure food security in the Philippines.

 

- Malaya Business Insight