Department of Agriculture IX (DA9) through its Livestock Program inaugurated the Regional Animal Products Meat Processing Facility in DA9 Livestock Station in Pamucutan, Zamboanga City on January 26, 2021.
A first of its kind in the region, the facility features laboratory procedures such as grinding, slicing, mixing, preservation and storage of meat which will aid the livestock farmers and meat vendors in processing their farm outputs increasing both productivity and profitability.
“This (facility) is really a big help to the livestock industry especially to those farmers affected by the pandemic. Having a meat processing facility established will add up to their options of generating income through their livestock farming,” said Regional Technical Director (RTD) for Operations Ferdinand Gamorot.
Addressing the recent spike in the prices of meat in the market, RTD Melba Wee posted a challenge for the livestock farmers to increase production and supply thereby reducing market prices.
“If there is more supply of meat, it is more likely that we make use of this facility for preparation, processing and marketing which augments the value of our meat in the market,” added Wee.
A 2-day hands-on training on meat processing and preservation technology was also conducted among 17 farmers and livestock raisers from Barangays Pamucutan and La Paz, Zamboanga City during which they were lectured and trained in the processing of meat into marketable products such as corned beef, siomai, tocino and longanisa.
For the meantime, the facility is open for trainings and other skills-enhancement activities through proper coordination with DA9.
Also present during the inauguration were Regional Livestock Coordinator Darwin Lloyd Sulay, Pamucutan Livestock Station Joel Laracochea and staff, Agricultural Program Coordinator for Zamboanga City Arnulfo Estrada, and the convergence area group of experts headed by Dr. Oscar Parawan. # # #(Darwin Reyes / DA-RFO IX, RAFIS)
