"We will now wait for the downloading of the fund to proceed with the procurement process and start the implementation of the project," Dadivas said.

An AA classification means the meat from the slaughterhouse can be transported outside the city. In contrast, the lower A classification means meat from the slaughterhouse can only be transported within the city.

Laurel and World Bank Country Director for Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines Ndiame Diop also handed Dadivas a Certificate of Eligibility for Funding in November last year on the proposed AA standard abattoir project.

The city’s abattoir is among the World Bank's big-ticket projects. (AGP/AAL/PIA Capiz)