ASIDE from tourism and trade traffic, the sisterhood agreement between Negros Occidental and Pampanga is also seen to boost the livestock and poultry industry in both provinces.
Provincial Veterinarian Renante Decena Sunday, December 17, said the strong ties between two provinces will open new market opportunities for local products, mainly lamb and fresh milk.
Pampanga Governor Lilia Pineda offered to facilitate buying of local meat, particularly of sheep, and fresh milk, he said.
“They consume most of these products. She personally highlighted this when she tasted our homegrown products,” Decena said.
The sisterhood agreement was first signed by officials of the two provinces at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall in Bacolod City on Friday.
It coincided with the launching of Clark-Bacolod-Clark flights of the Philippine Airlines.
Pineda led the Pampanga delegation while Negros Occidental was represented by Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. along with other provincial officials.
The sisterhood agreement is positioned to strengthen the economic and trade relations of the two provinces.
Given that Pampanga is a gateway to other areas in northern Luzon, the provincial government is optimistic that the strong ties will further allow Negros products to reach more potential markets in the country.
Decena said that they initially brought 42 kilograms of lamb and 40 bottles of fresh milk during the province’s delegation visit to Pampanga on Sunday.
Negros Occidental currently supplies goat meat to the local market, Decena said, adding that “if ever the demand for lamb grows, we will tap the farmer-members of the Sheep and Goat Breeder Association of Negros Occidental to meet the requirement.”
For fresh milk, the province’s average production is about 1,000 liters day.
Decena said the Negros First Ranch in Murcia, through its Japanese partner Tenzenshan Farm, currently has a market in Cebu.
“Aside from new market niches, we will discuss further with our Pampanga counterparts other areas which we can explore, including sharing of good practices,” he added.