HAGONOY, Davao del Sur – Hagonoy Mayor Jesus Dureza Jr. radiates optimism as he envisions his town becoming a prominent player in the poultry industry, projecting that it will emerge as the top chicken producer in the Philippines by the following year. This ambitious vision was fueled by a momentous event – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. presiding over the inauguration of the World-Class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm, marking the completion of the first of 12 colossal poultry megafarm projects set to redefine the poultry landscape across the nation.
Mayor Dureza enthusiastically stated, “Once it is fully operational by next year, Hagonoy will be the biggest producer of chicken in the entire Philippines.” His enthusiasm stems from the realization of a substantial project initiated by San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI), with projections of producing a staggering 80 million birds or approximately 200 million kilograms in live weight annually.
However, the significance of this project extends far beyond poultry production. Dureza emphasized the job creation aspect, as this mammoth enterprise is expected to employ approximately 7,500 individuals. With an unwavering commitment to his town, Dureza requested that about 80 percent of this workforce be recruited from Hagonoy itself. “The managerial level will be from their company. The laborers will be coming here,” he noted, emphasizing the localized nature of the employment opportunities.
What makes this poultry farm truly exceptional is the incorporation of state-of-the-art technologies and facilities, poised to revolutionize the poultry industry. These advanced features include comprehensive environmental controls, stringent biosecurity measures, modernized feeding and watering systems, efficient waste management techniques, and a cutting-edge farm layout and house design. Dureza underscored the commendable employment benefits offered by SMFI, citing competitive compensation, educational support, and healthcare provisions. In this regard, he extended his gratitude to Mr. Ramon Ang for spearheading the project and assured unwavering support from the municipal and provincial governments.
Moreover, Ramon Ang, the president and CEO of San Miguel Corporation, who was instrumental in the realization of this grand endeavor, addressed the gathering. He highlighted the project’s alignment with the Marcos administration’s commitment to ensuring food security for the Philippines. Ang stated, “Our goal is to provide every Filipino with access to high-quality food at affordable prices. Compared to beef, pork, and even fish, chicken is the most cost-effective option and an excellent source of protein.”
Ang’s vision extends beyond this inaugural project, as he revealed plans to replicate the success by building 11 more similar facilities across the country. This expansion is seen as essential to meet the ever-growing demands of the population. He emphasized the importance of modern facilities and strict biosecurity protocols in ensuring a superior quality chicken, raised in clean, natural conditions, free from chemicals or antibiotics. Such practices are instrumental in ensuring the highest quality for consumers.
Crucially, Ang underscored that the technology integrated into the farm is not only about enhancing production but also upholding sustainability across three key dimensions: environmental, economic, and social. The promise to protect the environment and implement eco-friendly practices is at the core of this poultry project.
Hagonoy’s journey toward becoming the leading chicken producer in the Philippines hinges on the success of the World-Class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm, a colossal initiative spearheaded by San Miguel Foods, Inc. With cutting-edge technologies, stringent biosecurity measures, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, this mega farm is poised to revolutionize the poultry industry and serve as a model for future projects. This achievement signifies not only an economic boon for the region but also a commitment to providing high-quality food for Filipinos, ensuring that chicken remains a cost-effective and nutritious source of protein for the nation.
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