Villarante slams proposal to privatize slaughterhouse

CEBU, Philippines - The proposal to privatize the Talisay City Slaughterhouse in Barangay Lower Mohon does not sit well with former vice mayor Romeo Villarante.

Villarante told reporters there is no reason for the city to let private firm or individuals run the facility since it is generating income.

"Kung ila i-privatize, sama ra nga niangkon ang administrasyon karon nga wala sila'y kabangkaagan sa pagpadagan sa merkado ug slaughterhouse," he said.

Earlier, Vice Mayor Alan Bucao bared plans to privatize the establishment. However, he clarified that the said idea is still subject for further study to make sure it will be beneficial for the city.

"Dili gyud na mahitabo nga amo nang buhaton sa Talisay, unya malupig ang atong mga constituents. Dili gyud na mahitabo," Bucao stressed.

He said that their aim is to improve the delivery of services to Talisaynons.

"Usahay moingun ta ang gobyerno dili pang-ginansya. What we mean is kinahanglan magpabilin ang operations nato unya dili mahitabo nga kung magbutang og usa ka profit center magsige na lang og puno og puhonan," he added.

Bucao said the slaughterhouse should be able to generate earnings that can subsidize other projects, as well as fund some improvements.

As an example, Bucao cited a semi-privatized public market somewhere in Dumaguete City wherein the local government still has its hold on the establishments.

"Tagaan og accountability ang mga tawo nga mao'y molingkud sa market ug slaughterhouse wherein at the end of the day, wala nagtan-aw og dako nga ginansya but rather nga dunay magamit nga ma-improve, pagsweldo, pagpagwapo og balik sa mga nangaguba nga mao'y tuyo ug tumong," Bucao said.

He reiterated that privatizing the slaughterhouse would be the last thing they would do to the facility.  (FREEMAN)