President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has revealed plans for the government to procure avian flu vaccines, aiming to reduce or eliminate the culling of fowls and address threats to the poultry industry. During the inauguration of the “World-Class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm” in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur, President Marcos emphasized the need to mitigate the adverse effects of diseases in the poultry sector, including avian flu. The government is set to implement measures, in collaboration with the private sector, to promote and revitalize the poultry industry.
President Marcos, who concurrently serves as the agriculture secretary, shared that the government’s effort aligns with recent discussions with Indonesian animal health firm PT Vaksindo Satwa Nusantara. The firm plans to invest $2 million in veterinary vaccine development in the Philippines, specifically for avian influenza.
The President visited the Magnolia Poultry Farm, a P3.34-billion investment by San Miguel Foods Inc. (SMFI) spanning 921.91 hectares in Hagonoy. The farm, equipped with 28 climate-controlled farmhouses, aims to produce 80 million chickens annually, addressing the demand for poultry products in Mindanao. The facility focuses on producing dressed whole chickens, processed chickens, and various chicken parts, prioritizing environmental controls, biosecurity measures, and an antibiotic-free operation.
President Marcos expressed optimism about the impact of modernized farms like SMFI’s on the agricultural sector’s future. The Magnolia Poultry Farm is designed to ensure optimal conditions for poultry rearing, emphasizing high-quality and safe products. The farm’s implementation of an antimicrobial policy aims for 100 percent antibiotic-free operation, except when necessary for disease treatments.
San Miguel President and CEO Ramon Ang clarified that the Magnolia production would be used for ready-to-eat products and would not be supplied to wet markets. Ang highlighted the commitment to food security in response to the President’s call for private sector collaboration. President Marcos welcomed SMFI’s plans to establish similar modern poultry farms in various locations across the country, emphasizing increased poultry supply and consumer satisfaction.
