THE cater chairperson of committee on markets and slaughterhouse, on Friday, August 11, said his team will inspect the facilities of AVM Bernardo slaughterhouse next week to determine their compliance to accommodate the roasting of pigs.
City Councilor Bartolome Orola, who conducted a public hearing on Thursday, said the members of lechon vendors’ association agreed to inspect the facility of AVM Bernardo in Barangay Handumanan with the personnel National Meat Inspection Service.
“The AVM Bernardo should comply with the requirements to ensure the correct preparation and slaughtering of pigs,” he said.
Orola added that the pigs for lechon should be slaughtered in separate area because it could easily adopt the bacteria.
The City Government will also require the AVM Bernardo to provide a refrigerated van.
The lechon vendors had earlier opposed the proposal of AVM Bernardo slaughterhouse to use their compound for the roasting of pigs.
Most of the vendors are not in favor because of its far location and the possible increase in fees.
Glorydee Cometa, plant manager of AVM Bernardo, had earlier said they are willing to provide facilities for roasting pigs since they still have available space.
Cometa said that during the time of the late City Legal Officer Allan Zamora, they had a moratorium which did not require lechon vendors to use the slaughterhouse because of its far location.
In February, Councilor Em Ang proposed an ordinance to regulate the sale and preparation of the roasted pigs in Bacolod.
Of the 24 vendors, only three have secured business permits as well as sanitation permits from the City Health Office.
Section 5 of the proposed ordinance stated that no person or business establishments shall be allowed to engage in the sale and preparation of lechon or roasted pig without first securing a business permit. Lechon vendors shall secure an annual sanitary permit and a health certificate, and a follow-up medical examination every six months.
Ang said Bacolod City is known for its delicious lechon, a staple in gatherings, feasts and celebration; therefore it is fitting to regulate its sale and preparation to protect consumer health.
