Pilmico Foods Corporation (Pilmico) dan Pemerintah Kota Tarlac menjalin kemitraan dalam "Kampanye Alternatif Sehat" untuk mempromosikan industri kelinci lokal sebagai sumber protein dan mata pencaharian alternatif. Mereka meresmikan kemitraan mereka dengan menandatangani Nota Kesepakatan pada tanggal 4 Oktober 2023 lalu di San Fernando, Pampanga. 

Norie Bermudez, Country Director Pilmico untuk Agribisnis, menekankan bahwa inisiatif ini merupakan tonggak penting dalam industri peternakan kelinci. "Inti dari program ini adalah semangat kerja sama tim dan kolaborasi. Misi kolektif kami adalah untuk memposisikan daging kelinci sebagai sumber protein utama di samping daging ayam, babi, dan sapi, serta memberdayakan peternak lokal dengan peluang mata pencaharian alternatif," ujarnya.

Walikota Cristy Angeles, yang telah lama mendukung peternakan kelinci di Kota Tarlac, mengatakan, "Kami menyadari pentingnya mendiversifikasi sumber protein, mengurangi jejak karbon, dan meningkatkan peluang mata pencaharian bagi warga Tarlac. Daging kelinci, yang rendah lemak dan merupakan sumber protein tanpa lemak yang sangat baik, sangat cocok dengan visi ini."

Sebagai seorang peternak kelinci, inisiatif Walikota Angeles sebelumnya meliputi program produksi kelinci untuk organisasi lokal dan festival memasak daging kelinci di Kota Tarlac. 

Pilmico akan menyediakan materi edukasi, dukungan teknis, dan pelatihan mengenai peternakan kelinci dan produksi daging untuk membekali para peternak lokal dengan keterampilan yang berharga untuk mata pencaharian yang berkelanjutan. "Dengan berbagi pengetahuan, keahlian, dan sumber daya, bersama-sama kita dapat meningkatkan kehidupan para peternak lokal dan pada akhirnya meningkatkan industri peternakan di kota ini secara keseluruhan," tambah Bermudez.  

Pertanyaan yang Sering Diajukan

How does this initiative aim to position rabbit meat in the Philippine protein market?
The program’s core objective is to elevate rabbit meat from a niche product to a recognized mainstream protein alongside chicken, pork, and beef. By combining government backing, technical training, and the reach of an established feed company, the campaign seeks to build consumer awareness and create a reliable supply chain that sustains long-term demand for rabbit meat across the country.

What is the ‘Healthy Alternative Campaign’ and what did Pilmico and Tarlac City agree to under it?
The Healthy Alternative Campaign is a joint program between Pilmico Foods Corporation and the City Government of Tarlac aimed at promoting rabbit meat as a mainstream protein source and a sustainable livelihood for local farmers. The two parties formalized their collaboration by signing a Memorandum of Agreement on October 4, 2023, in San Fernando, Pampanga.

What nutritional and environmental benefits make rabbit meat suitable as an alternative protein source?
Rabbit meat is low in fat and a rich source of lean protein, making it a healthy dietary choice. Its production also has a lower environmental footprint compared to conventional livestock, contributing to reduced carbon emissions. These qualities align with efforts to diversify protein sources in a way that is both health-conscious and environmentally responsible.

What support will Pilmico provide to rabbit raisers in Tarlac City under this agreement?
Pilmico will supply local farmers with educational materials, technical training, and ongoing support in rabbit farming and meat production. The aim is to equip raisers with practical skills and knowledge that enable them to run sustainable and profitable rabbit farming operations, contributing to the overall improvement of the city’s livestock sector.

What role has Mayor Cristy Angeles played in advancing rabbit raising in Tarlac City?
Mayor Angeles has been a long-time advocate and active practitioner of rabbit raising. Her prior initiatives in Tarlac City include distributing rabbits to local organizations and hosting a rabbit meat cook fest to promote consumption. Her personal commitment to the cause made the city a natural partner for this Memorandum of Agreement.