The Tarlac City government is promoting rabbit production to provide residents with another source of livelihood and good nutrition.

In partnership with the Pilmico Foods Corporation, the city government launched on Wednesday a “healthy alternative campaign” to advocate the rabbit industry as a major source of livelihood.

Mayor Cristy Angeles said on Thursday the initiative aims to promote the rabbit industry and encourage local raisers with alternative livelihood opportunities and also as an alternative to pork and chicken meat.

She said in a video of the event posted on social media that rabbit meat is rich in protein, low in fat, and high in nutritional value, making it one of the healthiest meats.

“We recognize the importance of diversifying our protein sources, reducing our carbon footprint, and enhancing the livelihood opportunities for our fellow Tarlaqueños. Rabbit meat, being low in fat and an excellent source of lean protein, fits perfectly into this vision,” Angeles said.

The mayor, who is a rabbit raiser, said she wants to raise awareness of rabbit meat consumption among the communities.

“We want to promote rabbit meat. Rabbit raising is part of the livelihood program of the city government of Tarlac. In fact, I am raising rabbits and wish to give our constituents and women’s organizations rabbit meat as a new source of income,” she added.

She said City Veterinary Office personnel have been visiting rabbit farms in different parts of the country and talking to the experts in a bid to further boost Tarlac City’s rabbit production.

Last Sept. 15, the city government, in collaboration with Pilmico Foods Corporation and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, launched a rabbit production program where some 60 residents were given rabbits as a start-up for a sustainable source of livelihood.

On April 19, Tarlac City held its first-ever rabbit cook fest to further promote rabbit meat consumption. (PNA)