BACOLOD City – Vendors here are encouraged to have the hogs for their lechon businesses slaughtered in the city’s abattoir in Barangay Handumanan.
This is among the concerns raised by the City Veterinary Office (CVO) in a meeting with the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) committee on markets and the City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) on Dec. 11.
According to the CVO, most of the hogs for lechon were not handled at the AVM Bernardo Slaughterhouse and are likely slaughtered in backyards.
Councilor Celia Flor, chair of the markets committee, said it is to ensure cleanliness and sanitation.
She added that slaughtered pigs and cattle, among others, that have passed the abattoir bear a mark stamp to ensure that the meat is safe to consume.
City Ordinance No. 459 series of 2008, which created Task Force “Botagoy,” established the guidelines and policies that cover the apprehension of individuals who perpetrate illegal slaughtering activities.
Flor said the task force is monitoring all lechonan areas in the city.
In the weeks leading up to Christmas and New Year celebrations, lechon sales are experiencing a notable increase.
Despite concerns over hog cholera and African swine fever, consumer interest in this popular holiday dish remains strong, according to Velma Rose Gomez, proprietor of a lechonan in Barangay Singcang Airport.
Current lechon prices vary, starting from P6,500 and reaching up to P14,000 for the most premium selections./PN
