Hog industry leader Albert R.T. Lim said he is optimistic that the construction of the international standard slaughterhouse in Sagay City will pave the way to the export of Negros Occidental pork and beef.

"It is going to be great for Bacolod and Negros Occidental. I'm looking forward to the time that we'll be able to export," Lim, president of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc., said.

The $3 million abattoir, now being constructed at the Sagay City economic zone, is a joint undertaking of the Sagay local government unit and the Korean Overseas International Cooperation Agency.

It will be able to accommodate at least 1,200 hogs a day for slaughtering. More than 1,000 hogs are needed daily to maximize the operations of the slaughterhouse.

Lim, who is also president of the Negros Occidental Hog Raisers Association, said the status of the province as foot and mouth disease-free will also boost its plan to sell meat products abroad. Negros Occidental, a member of the Hog Export Board, has been identified as a meat export potential area.

Gov. Joseph Marañon had earlier said that the new slaughterhouse in Sagay will encourage more backyard hog raisers since they will have a chance to earn and command good prices with its marketing tie-up.

Marañon also said his administration wants to develop the livestock and hog raising as a second industry of Negros Occidental.

At present, Negrense hog raisers process meat at the double A slaughterhouse of Victorias Foods and at a satellite slaughterhouse in Kabankalan City.*NLG

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