The newly built Calasiao Slaughterhouse in Barangay Mancup is now officially open, offering a clean and modern facility for meat processing that meets national standards.

But while authorities are inviting towns nearby to use the facility, local vendors are concerned about possible charges.

Equipped for the slaughter of cattle, carabaos, pigs, and goats, the facility has undergone a dry run and is ready to operate this month.

The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) has certified the Calasiao Slaughterhouse as Double-A standard.

“Within this month po mag-start na ang operation na po nito, na kung saan po ini-invite po namin ang mga iba’t ibang bayan at iba pang mga probinsya na pwede po silang magkakatay dito,” Dr. Gerald Quinit, Calasiao Municipal Meat Inspector, said.

“Dahil ang Calasiao Slaughterhouse ay Double-A standard po na accredited ng NMIS,” he added.

Authorities warn that anyone caught slaughtering animals outside the facility—such as in backyards—may be penalized for producing “hot meat,” which poses health risks to consumers.

“Under the law, bawal po ang pagkakatay po sa ating bahay-bahay... Need po natin ng malinis na slaughterhouse para po mas ma-ensure natin ang malinis at ligtas, wholesome meat na mapapakain natin sa ating hapag kainan,” Quinit said.

Some goat vendors are worried that slaughter fees could eat into their already slim profits.

“Haka-haka lang is P200 per head. Humihingi kami na kung pwede ay i-decrease nila ‘yung P200. Babaan nila kahit konti,” Oscar Dagarag, president of the Calasiao Goat Vendors Association, said.

“Kasi minsan sa isang kambing, kumikita lang kami ng P300–P350. Kung ganun babayaran namin, maliit na ‘yong kikitain namin,” he added.

Quinit responded that the proposed economic fees are still under review and subject to further dialogue with meat vendors.

“Meron na po kaming proposed sa aming economic fees. However, pinag-aaralan pa namin kung need pa ng dialogue sa aming meat vendors para naman po mas magkaroon po tayo ng magandang pag-uusap sa kanila,” he said.

The local government hopes the new facility will improve food safety and encourage standardized meat processing in the region.