Halal, non-Halal slaughterhouses to open in Davao City

Engineer Joseph Gabut of the Slaughterhouse Management Board (SMB) said the full operation of the two slaughterhouses is ready. 

“Our manpower is ready, our butchers, our utility men, meat cutters, administrative personnel, security, etc. We are only waiting for the approval (of the operation) and once it is given, we are ready to go,” he said in an interview with the City Information Office (CIO).

SMB, which is composed of the City Veterinarian’s Office, City Administrator, Bankerohan Livestock Multipurpose Cooperative, City Health Office, and other members, is set to inspect next week the logistics, manpower, and other facilities to determine if these are ready for operation. 

The resolution for the full operation of the two slaughterhouses will be released before the end of the month. 

The construction of the two slaughterhouses started in 2020. The non-Halal slaughterhouse is complete, while the Halal slaughterhouse is nearing completion.  Currently,  works on graveling the surrounding areas, painting, installing the screen in the entranceways of insects, completing the wastewater treatment pond, and installing the perimeter fence are ongoing.  

Gabut said the full operation of the two slaughterhouses will be to the advantage of the poultry and livestock raisers near the area. The Halal Slaughterhouse will also provide an additional market for vendors.

The project will also  pave the way for the availability of authentic Halal meat for the Muslim communities in the city.

Gabut added that for the Non-Halal Slaughterhouse, add-on facilities such as cold storage, blast freezing, and a meat processing plant will be to the advantage of clients because these will help them easily process and preserve food for a wider market reach.

“It will become a one-stop-shop because the pork meat from livestock to carcass proceeds immediately to the blast chiller and supplies to supermarkets, grocery, and meat shops. You can also opt to cut it into choice cuts such as pork chop or adobo cuts,” he said. 

He added that there is also meat processing with meat grinders that can cater to the commercial size output, unlike homemade meat. 

A cold storage facility, which is almost finished, is also attached to the slaughterhouses, adding clients can market their products outside Davao City and throughout the Philippines.

“These slaughterhouses will be categorized as double A (“AA”). You can widen your target market, your client and you can expand your business,” he said.

Under the Local Government Tax Code, the approved slaughter fees effective January 1, 2022, until December 31, 2022, are: P 609.65 per head for cow; P378.11 per head for pigs; and, P 176.56 per head for goat. 

The rates for cold storage, blast chilling, and meat cutting are in the process of approval by the Local Tax Committee. 

Gabut said the two slaughterhouses are the most modern, state-of-the-art slaughterhouses in Mindanao or maybe throughout the Philippines once these will operate. 

It will guarantee the safety consumption and also the proper hygiene, sanitation, and good manufacturing practices, including hazard analysis critical control points which are requirements of the National Meat Inspection Service. 

Gabut is inviting the public to patronize and visit the Halal and Non-halal slaughterhouses as soon as it opens located in Purok 3-A, Barangay Malagos this city.