Groups call for more extensive discussion on poultry industry with Marcos

Some agriculture stakeholders on Monday called for a more thorough discussion on the poultry industry, including its importation.

The Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. had recently met with the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries-National Sectoral Committees as well as regional agricultural and fishery councils to discuss pressing issues in the industry.

According to PRRM president Edicio dela Torre, Marcos was able to hear the point of view and interests of producers, particularly when it comes to poultry and livestock.

“But based on the feedback of key participants in the meeting, the important issue of over importation, legal and illegal, of meat especially poultry was not discussed. That’s the downside,” Dela Torre said in a statement.

Following the President’s second State of the Nation Address, United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) chairman Gregorio San Diego also sought Marcos’ attention in terms of having a detailed plan on how to develop the local poultry industry and the whole agriculture sector.

The PRRM noted that the local poultry industry continues to be “saddled with the same issue of overabundant supply of chicken in the market,” which is because of over importation and rampant smuggling.

The group estimated that the local output could meet the additional increase in per capita consumption. However, imports continue to come into the Philippines and these hurt local producers.

Dela Torre said that a temporary moratorium on poultry imports should be done amid the oversupply.

GMA News Online reached the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) for comment on the matter but it has yet to reply as of posting time.

Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) executive director Jayson Cainglet, meanwhile, said the group would have appreciated if Marcos mentioned in his SONA the construction of the country’s first border inspection facility, “which is touted as a legacy of his administration.” — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News