BOHOL — The quiet barangay of Catugasan welcomed a game‑changing project on June 26, 2026, as the Bohol Poultry Dressing and Processing Plant broke ground. Governor Aris Aumentado led the ceremony, marking the start of a facility set to process up to 60,000 chickens daily and reshape the province’s poultry industry.
A Major Leap for Poultry
San Miguel Foods, Inc. is behind the investment, bringing its industrial expertise to Lila. The plant will feature modern cold and dry storage, ensuring that chicken products stay fresh from slaughter to market. This infrastructure allows Bohol to move beyond small‑scale dressing operations and into large‑scale, efficient processing.
The facility is designed to meet National Meat Inspection Service standards, with automated systems and strict biosecurity measures. Local officials see it as a catalyst for a more resilient food supply chain. The daily capacity of 50,000 to 60,000 birds will serve both local demand and markets beyond the province.
Governor Aumentado said the plant embodies the collaboration between government and private sector. He emphasized that the project aligns with the province’s Strategic Roadmap, which prioritizes inclusive economic growth. The groundbreaking ceremony drew municipal leaders, barangay officials, and representatives from the Department of Agriculture.
A Disease‑Free Advantage
Bohol’s poultry sector received a timely boost just weeks before the groundbreaking. The Bureau of Animal Industry issued a memorandum temporarily waiving avian influenza testing for shipments from the region. This regulatory relief, effective until September, slashes transport costs and makes Bohol an attractive hub for poultry investment.
The waiver confirms that Bohol remains free of the highly contagious bird flu, a status that San Miguel Foods is keen to leverage. With reduced bureaucratic friction, the company can move products faster and more competitively. For Lila and its neighboring towns, the plant arrives at the perfect moment to capitalize on this disease‑free window.
Empowering Local Farmers
The processing plant will do more than employ workers; it will open doors for smallholder farmers. San Miguel Foods is expected to offer contract‑growing agreements, allowing backyard raisers to supply chickens at guaranteed volumes and prices. This model provides stable income and reduces the risks farmers face in volatile markets.
Local livestock programs recently trained hundreds of barangay officials to support poultry‑based livelihoods. Now, those communities have a ready buyer for their birds. The plant effectively creates a pull factor, encouraging farmers to scale up production with confidence. The result is a more integrated and prosperous rural economy.
Sustainability in a Geopark
As the country’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, Bohol requires that large projects tread lightly on the environment. The plant’s design incorporates advanced wastewater treatment and rendering systems that convert by‑products into usable materials. Odor‑control bio‑filters will ensure the surrounding area remains pleasant for residents and visitors.
Cold storage facilities also help reduce food waste by extending shelf life and minimizing spoilage. These features align with the province’s commitment to sustainable development. Governor Aumentado’s administration has long pushed for eco‑friendly agro‑industrial growth, and the Lila plant fits squarely into that vision.
A Collaborative Engine for Growth
The presence of San Miguel Foods, a trusted name in Philippine agribusiness, signals confidence in Bohol’s investment climate. The partnership shows how national corporations can work with local governments to build inclusive prosperity. From construction to full operation, the plant will generate direct and indirect employment for the region.
The groundbreaking is only the beginning. As the facility rises, so will the opportunities for transport, logistics, and allied services. For the people of Lila and beyond, the poultry processing plant represents more than concrete and steel—it is a promise of lasting economic momentum.
