Winrock-PCCP signs MOA with LGUs to improve slaughterhouses

by Ben Serrano

BUTUAN City- The United States Department of Agriculture funded Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP) which is implemented and administered by U.S. based NGO Winrock International in collaboration with the National Meat Inspection Services (NMIS) signed  Memorandum of Agreement yesterday with four local government units of Caraga Region for implementation of “Improving Meat Establishment for Hygienic Meat Production in Caraga Region”

The four local government units who signed MOA were municipalities of Cagwait and Marihatag, all in the Province of Surigao del Sur, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur and Buenavista, Agusan del Norte.

Said LGUs were ably represented in simple signing ceremonies held here in Butuan City yesterday June 11, by their respective Mayors except the Mayor of Buenavista town who was absent.

Philippine Cold Chain Project (PCCP)-Winrock was ably represented by Jim L. Orprecio Deputy Chief of Party, Winrock International-PCCP and Dr. Brenda Manantan, NMIS Executive Director representing National Meat Inspection Services.

Under said MOA, the local government units will improve, rehabilitate their LGU-owned slaughterhouses; allow the participation of municipal meat inspectors, and slaughterhouse manager and staff to attend continuing training on good manufacturing practices and proper operation of slaughterhouse, meat handling and food safety practices. Winrock-PCCP on the other hand will provide modern equipment and facilities for slaughterhouses through grant; coordinate with NMIS for the selection of recipient LGUs, and conduct assessment and evaluation of Locally Registered Meat Establishment (LRME) facilities Provide support through separate agreements with the recipient LGU for the training of slaughterhouse personnel, and deputized meat inspectors of the recipient LGU, on good manufacturing practices and proper operation of slaughterhouse, meat handling and food safety practices.