Isko Moreno rues sorry state of Vitas slaughterhouse, eyes new facility

MANILA, Philippines  -The Vitas Slaughterhouse in Tondo, Manila will easily flunk the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) sanitation test, said Manila Mayor Isko Moreno when he visited the facility on Wednesday.

Moreno said the slaughterhouse does not have a sewage treatment plant and proper cleaning equipment.

“DENR called our attention with regard to our sewage treatment plant na wala, kaya yung mga dumi namin na naga-gather dito sa slaughterhouse, dire-diretso doon sa ilog, a few meters away,” Moreno told reporters.

Moreno also underscored the need to ensure the health and safety of the public who consume meat from the slaughterhouse.

“You cannot take this sitting down because what we are after is the people of Manila who will buy meat in the talipapa, palengke.”

“[Kailangan] binibigyang kasiguraduhan na itong mga karne na ito ay malinis sa pamamaraan ng pagkatay, malinis ang paghahanda, at nainspection ang ating mga doctor na ito ay safe and clean,” he added.

Following his inspection, Moreno bared his plan to build four new buildings in the slaughterhouse.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno inspects the Vitas slaughterhouse in Tondo, Manila on Wednesday, July 17, 2019.  Moreno said the slaughterhouse doesn’t have a sewage treatment plant and that a new facility will soon be built in the area by next year.  (Photo by Faye Orellana / INQUIRER.net)

Moreno said a new slaughterhouse will rise and be operational by next year, but begged off from giving a target date.

“Ayokong posasan ang kamay ko o talian ang kamay ko [on the exact date of opening], but I guarantee you, next year, I will see you again here doing the ribbin -cutting,” he said. /gsg