The Davao City Economic Enterprise (CEE) has announced an ambitious goal for the Malagos Halal and Non-Halal Slaughterhouse: to achieve the prestigious Triple A (AAA) classification. This top-tier rating would officially qualify the facility to process meat for the international export market, marking a significant expansion for Davao's local meat industry.
From Domestic AA to International AAA
Currently, the slaughterhouse operates with a Double A (AA) rating, which is the national standard permitting distribution across the Philippines. Gertrudes B. Peñalosa, the officer-in-charge of the Halal Slaughterhouse, confirmed that the team is actively working on the upgrade. She stated that they are diligently processing all the necessary documents to meet the stricter requirements for the AAA standard.
The facility's existing AA status was granted following a successful inspection by the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in 2024, which also led to the issuance of its License to Operate (LTO). This certification is a testament to the slaughterhouse's commitment to high standards of hygiene and sanitation, ensuring that all meat products leaving the facility are safe for domestic consumption.
Ensuring Public Health and Safety
Peñalosa took the opportunity to urge the public to always use the services of accredited slaughterhouses. She emphasized that this is the only way to guarantee that the meat consumed by Dabawenyos has been properly inspected and is certified as fit for human consumption. Residents looking for these services can visit either the Malagos or the Maa slaughterhouses, both of which are accredited and monitored by the CEE.
Gearing Up for the Holiday Rush
In preparation for the increased demand during the holiday season, the management is reinforcing its personnel and ensuring facility readiness. Peñalosa shared that since January 2025, the facility has seen a steady rise in activity, processing an average of 180 to 200 animal heads per day. This number is anticipated to climb even higher in the coming weeks.
Beyond cattle, the Halal facility also processes other livestock like carabaos, goats, and sheep. All animals must be accompanied by the required veterinary and health certificates, and all processing strictly adheres to both Halal protocols and national regulatory requirements to maintain food safety compliance.
The Malagos Halal Slaughterhouse began its operations in November 2023. Davao City is currently served by three CEE-operated facilities: the older one in Maa and two in Barangay Malagos, which include separate Halal and Non-Halal plants.
