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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Mindanao devider Cattle fattening makes a comeback in South Cotabato

Cattle fattening makes a comeback in South Cotabato

Published Jun 26, 2025 09:59 pm
DAVAO CITY – Polomolok town in South Cotabato province is seeing a resurgence in cattle fattening, with Mayor Bernie Palencia leading the charge to reclaim the municipality’s position as a leading beef producer in the Philippines.
PALENCIA
PALENCIA
Palencia said in a statement on Wednesday, June 25, that the local government’s push to revive cattle fattening was inspired by the country’s biggest meat importer choosing to buy meat from local farmers.
First Atkins Import-Export Inc., the country's largest meat importer, has signed a supply agreement with local agricultural enterprises Great Arch Farms, owned by overseas Filipino worker Arnel Corpuz, and Braveheart Farms.
Palencia said the agreement marks a significant shift as major meat distributors begin to look inward, tapping Filipino farmers to meet growing domestic demand.
The farm will focus on cattle feeding and fattening while breeding a few. A cattle needs 22 hours of feeding daily and 24 hours of freshwater supply for efficient performance, which the farmers must attend to.
“This is more than just a business deal. It is a signal to the rest of the country that local farmers are ready to compete and thrive,” Palencia said, citing one of the key components of the cattle fattening initiative is the creation of supply chain.
Palencia said local farmers growing sorghum, soybeans, corn, copra meal, and cassava are expected to benefit from higher demand, relieving those struck by the hog industry’s collapse due to African Swine Fever.
He added that this new direction offers renewed hope and economic opportunity for many farmers in Mindanao, especially those hit hardest by low market prices for corn and cassava.
Corpuz said this isn’t just about raising cattle but rebuilding entire agricultural communities, emphasizing that with the proper support, their farmers can feed the whole nation.
Former Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said industry watchers see the move by First Atkins Import-Export Inc. to source more meat domestically as a potential game-changer, which inspires other importers to follow suit and invest in the local agricultural value chain.
As cattle fattening grows in the town, Palencia said the partnership between businesses and the local government is seen as a model for improving farming and rural development in the region.

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Cattle Cattle fattening South Cotabato Polomolok Mayor Bernie Palencia
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