THE National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) is setting aside P45 million for the rehabilitation and construction of meat establishments across 10 poorest provinces in the country in a bid to improve food safety in these areas.
In a statement, the NMIS, through its Small Scale Meat Establishment Project (SSMEP), said it will address the lack of slaughterhouses in 15 local government units (LGUs) in these provinces.
“In an agreement recently signed between the NMIS and 15 LGUs, a seed fund of P3 million for each of the LGU will be allocated for the construction or rehabilitation of meat establishment within their localities provided they comply with the requirements set by the NMIS,” the NMIS said.
In the statement released on Monday, the NMIS said the agreement also stipulates that the fund support will be used to enable establishments to conform to the standards and the requirements on meat safety and meat hygiene.
Under the agreement, “the LGUs will provide the lot where the meat establishment will be erected,” according to the NMIS, an attached agency of the Department of Agriculture.
“It is mandatory under the agreement that the LGUs will apply for the issuance of license to operate to ensure that all meat to be produced in the meat establishment are safe and wholesome,” it said.
The NMIS added it has conducted an orientation to prepare the LGU-recipients “to become familiar on the mechanics and requirements in setting up a small-scale meat establishment.”
The recipients were also provided with a standard slaughterhouse design with emphasis on structural, electrical, equipment components, as well as the scope of sanitary plumbing, according to the NMIS.
“They were also taught with the basic requirements of good manufacturing practices and sanitation standard operating procedures,” it added. “Last, they were oriented on their roles and responsibilities in slaughterhouse management and operations.”
During the orientation, NMIS Executive Director Ernesto S. Gonzales said the agency “will fulfill its responsibilities in ensuring meat safety at the national level, while the LGUs must do theirs at the local level.”
The LGUs for the support program are: Casiguran, Sorsogon; Linamon, Lanao del Norte; Malasique, Pangasinan; Santa Fe, Nueva Vizcaya; Benito Soliven, Isabela; General Tinio, Nueva Ecija; Candelaria, Zambales; Rizal, Laguna; Dolores, Eastern Samar; Baras, Rizal; San Miguel, Catanduanes; Alfonso Lista, Ifugao; Sikatuna, Bohol; Dumalinao, Zamboanga del Sur; and General McArthur, Eastern Samar.
Last year the NMIS allocated nearly P25 million for its SSMEP for nine identified LGUs in six provinces.