SMC Mega Poultry Farm Inaugurated

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and San Miguel Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer, Ramon S. Ang, have officially inaugurated the world-class Controlled-Climate Magnolia Poultry Farm in Hagonoy, Davao del Sur.

President Bongbong Marcos and SMC President and CEO during the ceremonial inauguration of the mega poultry plant in Davao del Sur I Photo: San Miguel Corporation Facebook

This state-of-the-art facility has the capacity to produce 80 million birds or approximately 200 million kilograms in live weight each year.

This project, spearheaded by San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI), marks the completion of the first poultry megafarm out of the planned 12 across the Philippines.

Similar facilities will be established by SMC in locations including Pangasinan, Bataan, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros Occidental, Pagadian, Zamboanga, Cagayan de Oro, and one of the Maguindanao provinces.

In his speech, Mr. Ang emphasized the project's support for the Marcos administration's efforts to ensure food security in the Philippines.

He stated, "Our goal is to provide every Filipino with access to high-quality food at affordable prices. Chicken is the most cost-effective option and an excellent source of protein compared to beef, pork, and even fish."

The poultry farm introduces groundbreaking advancements in the industry, featuring cutting-edge facilities and technologies.

It includes environmental controls, strict biosecurity measures, modernized feeding and watering systems, efficient waste management, and a contemporary farm layout and house design, among other innovations.

Raising chickens in pristine, natural conditions without the use of chemicals or antibiotics, SMC maintains a commitment to delivering the highest quality products to consumers. Mr. Ang also emphasized that the farm's technology will contribute to sustainable food production from environmental, economic, and social perspectives.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed SMC's venture, highlighting its potential to boost the country's agriculture sector.

He stated, "We can no longer rely on informal food production. We must industrialize our agriculture," emphasizing the importance of modernizing the agricultural sector to combat hunger and achieve food security.

Marcos Jr. reassured that SMC's poultry farm in Davao del Sur would not compete with small farmers as its final product would be ready-to-eat. He also expressed SMC's interest in partnering with local farmers' groups or cooperatives rather than competing with backyard poultry operations.

In Davao del Sur, SMC has already entered into a partnership agreement with farming groups representing about 900 families, noted Hagonoy Mayor Jesus Dureza Jr. He expressed optimism that, with SMFI's mega poultry farm, Hagonoy will emerge as a leading chicken producer in the Philippines by the next year.

Dureza stated that the project would generate employment for around 7,500 people, with the majority sourced from their municipality. He also emphasized that SMFI is committed to environmental protection once the project becomes fully operational.

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