The National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) in Bicol assured the public on Thursday that meat supply will be sufficient for the upcoming holiday season, despite concerns that the very strong El Niño is affecting livestock production.

During a media forum marking the 33rd Meat Safety Consciousness Week and the 54th NMIS Founding Anniversary, Dr. Alex Templonuevo, regional technical director of the NMIS Bicol, said the agency monitors the number of animals slaughtered in Bicol through daily and monthly reports submitted to the Department of Agriculture’s central office.

“As of now, the situation remains stable. I have just come from our large slaughterhouses, and they reported that slaughtering activities are increasing, which means our supply remains sufficient,” he said.

He said the DA implements mitigation measures to address El Niño’s potential effects on livestock, while the NMIS focuses on meat inspection and food safety after animals arrive at slaughterhouses.

“No matter how many animals enter the slaughterhouse, we inspect them, oversee their slaughter, and determine whether the meat is safe for consumption or should be condemned,” he added.

Templonuevo noted that the NMIS works closely with local government units to ensure that slaughterhouses throughout the region comply with meat inspection standards and meat safety requirements.

Based on its 2026 accomplishments, the NMIS in Bicol reported 10 slaughterhouses, eight poultry dressing plants, three meat-cutting plants, and three cold storage warehouses classified as AA.

It also listed two slaughterhouses and one additional establishment in classification A. (PNA)