CITY OF MALOLOS, Bulacan – Cargill—the world’s biggest feedmill corporation has opened its first plant in the Philippines at the First Bulacan Industrial Park in Bgy. Tikay here last week.
Chuck Warta, president of Cargill Premix and Nutrition said, “Cargill is committed to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. With the population and income growth driving demand for animal protein in the region, Cargill knows how important it is to invest here, supporting local farmers and creating additional job opportunities as a result of our growth.”
He said that to meet increasing demand from medium and large livestock farms and feed millers in the Philippines and Southeast Asian countries, Cargill opened its first animal nutrition premix plant in the Philippines.
“Cargill invested US$12 million to open the plant, where 50 local employees will produce animal nutrition premix solutions, made available to customers under the Provimi brand, he added.
An opening ceremony was held at the plant, located in the province’s sprawling First Bulacan Industrial City which is near the Macarthur highway and the Tabang exit of the North Luzon Expressway.
Noel Kim, general manager of Cargill Provimi, Philippines said that the Philippines and Southeast Asian countries are seeing increased consumer demand for meat products, especially pork and chicken.
“This is great news for the growth potential of local livestock farms and feed millers, At our premix plant, Cargill can now manufacture the animal nutrition products these producers need to sustainably deliver high quality, safe, affordable meat to consumers.” Kim added.
For his part, Ralph Bean, Agricultural Counselor at USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, commended the investment. He said, “This plant is one of Cargill’s, and one of US Agriculture’s many investments in Philippine Agriculture, and it heralds a strong partnership and a bright future for all going forward. The plant will provide products that will enable Philippine farmers to ensure greater productivity, reliability, and quality in the end products that go onto Philippine dinner tables.”
Malolos City Mayor Lawyer Christian Natividad praised Cargill’s presence in the area as a boon for the local community.
“The City of Malolos is appreciative of Cargill’s presence, it’s a big boost not only to our city but to the province’s economic and employment opportunities. We hope to reciprocate by providing all the needed assistance and better business ambience to make Cargill’s project a success,” Natividad said.
Gov. Wilhelmino M. Sy-Alvarado said Cargill’s presence in Bulacan is an indication that the many parts of the province is now gearing up in becoming special economic zones that could propel strong and stable economic opportunities. —EMIL G. GAMOS