The present slaughterhouse of Bacolod City in Brgy. 35 is undergoing improvements to be implemented by the City government.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the old slaughterhouse, which was built in the 1960's yet, is now dilapidated and has remained in that state after so many years under several administrations. "We had implemented some improvements during my first term and some rehabilitation has already been implemented," Leonardia said, when informed that the slaughterhouse was featured negatively on national TV.

It is just a case of bad timing because the plans for the improvements have already been made but there were delays due to failure of bidding and other reasons, he said. But the project is one of the priorities of his administration and, in fact, considered one of its flagship projects, he added. City Veterinarian Dr. Adelo Daroy yesterday assured the public that, despite the deficiency in the facilities of the old slaughterhouse, the animals they slaughter are healthy and have no contagious diseases. He said the ante mortem and post mortem inspection conducted on the animals, has ensured that there is no outbreak of diseases in the city that could be traced to infected meat.

Daroy said that after he assumed as city veterinarian in 1980 he proposed the transfer and construction of a new slaughterhouse. He said Leonardia has created a task force to expedite the operation of the new slaughterhouse in Handumanan, which he hopes will be operational this year.

Leonardia said he is thanking the Sangguniang Panlungsod for authorizing him to negotiate with the contractor for the new slaughterhouse. He said the SP is now coming up with an ordinance to upgrade and update the standard fees of the present slaughterhouse which have not been revised since 1974. "With the present rates and facilities we have, the income of the slaughterhouse is only P1.2 million annually, while the city is spending P7 million a year for salaries, firewood and other expenses," he said. Leonardia said that if the regulatory fees are increased, the income of the city will also increase. He also said that when the new slaughterhouse operates it will become one of the best in the Philippines.

It will also mean better income and better business propositions for the city. "We are expecting P54 million in investments that will be poured into the existing facility," he added.

A pubic hearing will be held tomorrow on the increase of fees for the new slaughterhouse.

Secretary to the Mayor Roger Balo held a meeting with the Task Force Abattoir and city officials yesterday, upon instruction of the Mayor, to discuss the improvement of the present slaughterhouse, which will serve as a dressing facility for poultry when the new facility in Handumanan becomes fully operational. The employment of blue guards was also discussed to keep unauthorized persons from entering the premises.*CGS

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