The Mandaue City Government is coordinating with the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) for the planned redevelopment of its slaughterhouse in Barangay Labogon as the city works to improve meat processing operations and regain accreditation.
Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano met with officials of the NMIS Regional Technical Operations Center VII on July 30 to discuss the facility’s condition, proposed upgrades, and the requirements needed to comply with national meat inspection standards.
In an interview on Monday, Aug. 3, Ouano said NMIS officials expressed support for the city’s plan to rehabilitate the slaughterhouse, which previously held a Double A accreditation.
“Ganahan siya ipa-upgrade, which kita sad ganahan sad nato ipa-upgrade,” Ouano said.
The mayor said the city is now aiming to restore the facility to at least a Single A accreditation, which would allow it to distribute meat products within Mandaue City.
However, Ouano said the city still needs to acquire additional equipment and address other challenges affecting the facility, including its access road.
“Ang dan padung sa slaughterhouse kay bati gyud kaayo,” he said, adding that the city cannot make improvements to the road since it is located on privately owned property.
The slaughterhouse deteriorated over the years after sustaining damage from typhoons and a lack of major rehabilitation.
Ouano said the city previously explored converting the redevelopment into a public-private partnership project, but no private investors expressed interest.
With no investor coming forward, the city government is now considering using its own funds to implement the improvements and initially target a Single A accreditation.
“For Single A lang na category and tabangan ta sa NMIS since naa man sad silay daghang suggestions and proposals nga pwede nato ma-implement sa slaughterhouse,” Ouano said.
The planned redevelopment aims to improve slaughtering operations, strengthen meat inspection procedures, and ensure safer meat products for consumers. It is also expected to support local hog raisers and lechon producers who rely on the facility.
The discussion was held at the NMIS-RTOC VII office in Barangay Maguikay, with City Veterinarian Dr. Karen Merilles joining Ouano in the meeting.
Also present were NMIS Regional Technical Director Dr. Alvin Leal and Mandaue City Administrator Atty. Sally Malig-on Jr.
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