Philippine pork exports to Singapore expected

The Philippines will likely start exporting pork products to Singapore by the yearend, the head of the Livestock Development Council said yesterday. Importers from Singapore and the local exporter involved are still talking about pork prices, said Victor C. Atienza, assistant director of the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Last April, Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore approved accreditation for Polomolok, South Cotabato-based Matutum Meat Packing Corp. to export beef, mutton, pork cuts and poultry products. Matutum has invested around P200 million to ensure that its meat processing plant meets Singapore's exacting standards.

"If we can sell to Singapore, we can penetrate other Asian markets, because Singapore has more stringent requirements," Carlos B. Mendoza, officer-in-charge executive director of the Livestock Development Council said. "If we can create demand [from other countries], we can also expand selling poultry and other products."

The bureau also eyes exporting to Hong Kong and countries of the European Union.

Singapore's stringent requirements include an assurance that choice pork cuts are free from banned chemicals and veterinary drug residues. "[This development] will be a big incentive for swine farmers to produce more clean and safe meat. They will follow standards set by Singapore even for local consumption," Mendoza said.

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