CITY OF STO. TOMAS, Batangas (PIA) — From its humble beginnings in Bicol as a fish supplier in the 1970s to a food canning giant, Mega Global Corp. has come a long way in the fishing and canning industry with the opening of its newest and state-of-the-art manufacturing plant here.

The Batangas manufacturing facility is Mega Global’s first plant in Luzon and its third in the country – the two others are in barangays Ayala and Talisayan in Zamboanga City.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, March 1 unveiled the company’s P1-billion Luzon plant which is under Mega Global’s subsidiary Mega Prime Foods Inc.

“For those who do not know, this business…Mega Food started as Wilmar (Fishing) in Bicol in 1975 and look at it now,” the President said.

“You serve as an inspiration to those who dream and start with a small business,” he said.

“It is an example of what we in agriculture and agribusiness are hoping to demonstrate to all our investors the ability to scale up from what can be a backyard kind of business slowly building it up to a very modern and very, very high production capacity like we see here today,” he added.

The President said the new plant is seen to open more economic opportunities and contribute to government efforts in ensuring food security in the country.

According to the President, the manufacturing plant will contribute to achieving the government’s target of 10% annual increase in approved investments in the agribusiness sector, which is one of the key targets under the 2023-2028 Philippine Development Plan.

He added that the plant, which has the capacity to produce more than 11,600 metric tons, will also help meet the rising local demand of canned sardines, filling 27 percent insufficiency in local supply in the country.

“This will greatly contribute to our efforts in ensuring food security and making seafood more convenient to consume for families across the country, especially during times of crises,” the President said.

“This project also supports the administration’s initiatives to fulfill the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of No Poverty, Zero Hunger, and Decent Work and Economic Growth,” the chief executive added.

President Marcos also lauded Mega Prime Foods Inc. for serving as an example of what he wants to achieve in the country’s agriculture sector, citing the importance of upscaling agricultural operations to benefit small farmers and fisherfolks.

The new plant promises more job opportunities in the region, eyeing to generate at least 1,000 jobs for the Filipino workforce and support for local businesses from which the company will source its raw materials and production supplies.

The plant could process 50 metric tons (MT) of fish per day, adding 600,000 cans of sardines daily to the entire production line, which could also increase the country’s canned sardines’ production capacity by 9 percent.

The facility showcases an open-plant system with an educational and interactive space where guests can learn about the sardines manufacturing process, marine conservation, and affordable nutrition. The new infrastructure also houses a research and development facility which will serve as Mega’s hub for new products in line with their product diversification plans. (PB/FSC PIA4A)