35 Pinoys hired as butchers in Australia

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The Philippines provides the world  not only with competent professionals, medical and other workers, but also trained butchers.

At least 35 Filipinos have been hired as butchers in Australia after undergoing a strict selection process and intensive training.

The Filipino butchers have been hired by Tey’s Brothers, one of the largest meat processing companies in Australia, and are set to start work within the year.

The butchers passed the rigorous screening process conducted by the Australian firm in Tagum City, which included a series of agility and trade tests last July 14 to 17.

Australian employers’ choice of Tagum as a site for trade test was due in large part to the good training and work performance of Tagum-based butchers, according to Dean Tilsun of Tey’s Brothers.

The hired butchers are graduates of the Skills Training Program on Slaughtering Operation organized by the city government of Tagum through the Public Employment Services Office and the City Veterinary Office.

There were 264 applicants but only 35 passed the screening.

City Veterinarian Jesus Edullantes said the 35 individuals would add to the more than 400 trained Filipino butchers now working in Australia, 70 percent of whom are residents of Tagum.

Of the 35 hired butchers, 28 are from Tagum while the rest are residents of Davao City, Kidapawan City, Digos City, Cotabato City and the town of Pantukan in Compostela Valley province.

Tagum City Mayor Allan Rellon commended the butchers for passing the strict selection process.

“The local government shall continue to help those who want to have a better chance in life through the local government’s employment and livelihood agenda under the EAGLE WINGS Program,” Rellon said.