October 16, 2023

 

Mayor confident Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, could become Philippines' leading chicken producer in 2024

 

 

The town of Hagonoy in Davao del Sur, the Philippines, could become a top chicken producer in the country by next year — at least — according to Hagonoy Mayor Jesus Dureza Jr.

 

This came after Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led on October 12 the inauguration of the World-Class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm — the first to be completed out of the 12 planned poultry megafarm projects across the Philippines —in Hagonoy.

 

"Once it will be fully operational by next year, Hagonoy will be the biggest producer of chicken in the entire Philippines," Dureza said in an interview.

 

A project of San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI), the mega farm anticipates the production of 80 million birds or about 200 million kilos in live weight per farm to be harvested annually.

 

"Once there is a big business, it also entails job generation. They will be needing around 7,500 employees," Dureza added.

 

He added he requested that around 80% of the workforce will be sourced from their municipality.

 

"The managerial level will be from their company. The laborers will be coming here," he said.

 

The state-of-the-art poultry farm is poised to revolutionise the industry with its advanced facilities and technologies. It features environmental controls, biosecurity measures, modernised feeding and watering systems, efficient waste management and a modern farm layout and house design, among others.

 

According to Dureza, SMFI also commits to protecting the environment once the project is operational.

 

In his speech, San Miguel Corporation president and chief executive officer Ramon Ang said the project reinforces the company's support for the Marcos administration in ensuring a food-secure Philippines.

 

"Our goal is to provide every Filipino with access to high-quality food at affordable prices. Compared to beef, pork, and even fish, chicken is the most cost-effective option and an excellent source of protein," he said.

 

Ang said the project is just the start of San Miguel's endeavor, as it is set to build 11 more similar facilities across the Philippines to secure the needs of the growing population.

 

Using modern facilities and strict bio-security protocols, Ang said San Miguel raises its chickens in clean, natural conditions without chemicals or antibiotics, ensuring the highest quality for the consumers.

 

He also assured that the technology at the farm will sustainably produce more food environmentally, economically and socially.

 

- PNA