Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 12) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday led the inauguration of the largest poultry facility in the Philippines, a development which he sees as “crucial” to achieving food security and reducing dependence on importation.
Located in Davao del Sur, the poultry farm was built by San Miguel Foods, a unit of conglomerate San Miguel Corporation (SMC). It is equipped with controlled climate technology, biosecurity measures, an automated feeding and watering system, an air quality monitoring system, and an automated harvesting system.
This is one of the 12 massive facilities that will be constructed across the country.
In his speech, Marcos said the massive farm can produce up to 80 million chickens every year.
“This is to address the ever-increasing demand for poultry products in the region and the whole of Mindanao,” he added.
Marcos also said the facility would create 1,000 jobs for Filipinos in nearby areas.
“Investments in infrastructure and in the capacity of our people—whether in agriculture, education, health, or transportation—are crucial in driving our nation and our economy forward,” he said.
“Of the sectors I have mentioned, we put a high premium on investments in agriculture, as it is the key to combatting hunger and poverty, and achieving our goal of food sufficiency and security across the country,” he added.
SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang said it would also pose a “big opportunity” for local corn and cassava producers as the group targets to tap them for raw materials for chicken feed production.
“This means they benefit from having a steady market for their goods, and at better selling prices compared to what they would get from middlemen,” he added.
Marcos also thanked Ang for his group’s contributions to the country’s key sectors, such as food and infrastructure.
