Chile is expected to export more meat to the Philippines after 13 companies from the Latin American country secured accreditation from the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said he approved the three-year accreditation of 13 Chilean companies to export beef, pork, and chicken to the country.

This clearance also allows the exporters to ship not only meat but also by-products such as offal and animal fats.

“As much as we strive to produce more food locally, we also need to ensure steady and reliable sources overseas,” said Tiu Laurel.

“Recent natural calamities and recurring animal diseases remind us of the importance of securing alternative food supply channels to protect consumers and stabilize prices,” he added.

The approval to export followed an inspection mission to Chile to assess its veterinary services, animal health systems, and food safety controls as part of the accreditation process.

Tiu Laurel said the mission found that Chile is compliant with the global standards set by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH), while the 13 companies passed local quarantine and meat inspection requirements.

He said the accreditation further diversifies the country’s food sources, complementing imports from traditional sources such as the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Spain.

Based on data from the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Chile supplied the country with 10,680 metric tons (MT) of meat, primarily pork and chicken.

Chile already surpassed this amount in the first nine months of the year, with imports reaching 10,955 MT.

Total meat imports in the period stood at 1.18 million MT, up 13 percent from 1.04 million MT last year.

Pork accounted for more than half of total shipments, growing 22 percent to 632,991 MT from 517,860 MT.

BOI data showed that chicken imports rose by six percent to 368,079 MT over the nine months, surpassing 345,860 MT recorded last year.

Beef shipments reached 150,150 MT in the period, up four percent from 144,023 MT.

By the end of September, the country also brought in 32,144 MT of buffalo, 642 MT of lamb, 179 MT of duck, and 102 MT of turkey.