June 24, 2023
San Miguel Foods breaks ground for mega poultry plant in Davao to bolster food security
San Miguel Foods recently broke ground on its Davao Multi-Tier Broiler Farm, the first of 15 poultry mega plants the company is building in the next 10 years to ensure the sufficient supply of chicken and bolster food security in the country. Located in Hagonoy, Davao City, the complex will eventually house 28 world class climate-controlled farm houses that will produce 80 million birds a year to serve the whole of Mindanao. Total land to be developed is 921 hectares.
“Today, we are not just breaking ground but also marking another milestone in the food industry,” said San Miguel Foods President Butch Alejo in his message during the ceremony. “What we are bringing to the table is not just a significant amount of chicken that our consumers can enjoy, but also the assurance of food security to every Filipino.”
The broiler farm will have multi-tier cages that will allow more growing cycles per year and better efficiencies and practices, including an integrated sanitation management program to eliminate flies and neutralize odor.
The establishment of the facility demonstrates San Miguel’s commitment to help achieve equitable development in the region. Aside from providing more than 1,000 jobs to the Davaoeños, micro-enterprise programs will open for farmers, their families, and communities nearby. This will spur not just socio-economic growth of the entire municipality but also provide hope for the families nearby, who, with the substantial opportunities given them, can gain more access to technology, education, and sustainability.
Mindanao is considered the country's food basket, producing 40% of the country's food needs and contributing more than 30% to national food trade, with one-third of its land area devoted to agriculture.
Within the next five years, San Miguel Foods will begin work on the four other priority mega plants in Sison, Pangasinan, Lucanin, Bataan, and Sariaya and Pagbilao in Quezon. In 10 years, these four mega plants combined with the Hagonoy complex will be able to produce 400 million birds a year, with each bird targeted to weigh 2.5kg.
The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) recognized San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI) as a key private sector partner in the Partnership Against Hunger and Poverty (PAHP) program during its awarding ceremony held last June 19. The PAHP is a government-led initiative that aims to address hunger, food insecurity, and rural poverty by connecting agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and community-based organizations with institutional buyers. These partnerships not only provide stable markets for farmers but also promote inclusive, grassroots-led economic development in rural communities. A long-time supporter of farmer upliftment, San Miguel Foods contributes to the PAHP through its Cassava Assembler Program, a pioneering effort that integrates smallholder farmers, many of whom are DAR beneficiaries, into San Miguel’s value chain. By working with farmer groups and cooperatives, SMFI guarantees a reliable market for their cassava harvests, provides technical support, and fosters long-term growth and income stability. This program has helped transform rural livelihoods by making agriculture more profitable and sustainable, while also ensuring a steady supply of locally sourced cassava to support national food and feed security. The model, praised by both government and industry, reflects San Miguel Foods’ broader mission to build a more food-secure and inclusive Philippines. “Our commitment goes beyond buying from farmers. It’s about creating real opportunities so they can thrive. When we uplift our farmers, we uplift communities. And when we uplift communities, we build a stronger nation,” said San Miguel Foods President Noli Macalalag. This recognition further strengthens SMFI’s resolve to support inclusive agribusiness models that empower Filipino farmers, improve rural livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.
If you feel tired by mid-morning or find yourself reaching for your third cup of coffee by lunch, it might be time to check what’s on your plate. Food isn’t just fuel, it’s your daily power source. Here’s how to eat smart and stay energized, no matter how packed your schedule gets. 1. Build Balanced Meals Don’t wait for lunch or dinner to eat big. Your body needs a steady supply of fuel throughout the day. At every meal, aim for a good mix of: Complex carbs (brown rice, whole grain bread, oats, sweet potato) Protein (chicken, pork, tofu, fish, eggs, corned beef) Healthy fats (avocado, nuts, olive oil) Fiber-rich vegetables (leafy greens, carrots, broccoli) This combo keeps your blood sugar and energy levels steady. 2. Don’t skip meals—especially breakfast Skipping meals may save time, but it often leads to low energy and overeating later. Breakfast jump-starts your metabolism and helps you stay focused through the morning. Try these quick and energizing breakfast ideas: Lugaw with malunggay and Magnolia Brown Eggs Fried rice with Star Margarine Magnolia Pancakes with fresh sliced fruits Omelette with Purefoods Sweet Ham and Magnolia Cheezee 3. Stay Hydrated Even mild dehydration can make you feel tired, sluggish, or moody. It can also cause people to mistake thirst for hunger. Keep water close and sip often. Quick tips: Keep a tumbler at your desk or in your bag. Add cucumber, lemon, or mint for flavor Avoid sugary drinks that cause energy crashes. 4. Snack smart Snacking can help maintain energy if you choose the right kind. Skip chips, candies, and cookies, which give a quick spike and crash. Instead, opt for snacks that provide lasting fuel. Smart snack options: Boiled kamote (sweet potato) or sweet corn with Star Margarine or Dari Creme Pandesal with Purefoods Luncheon Meat and Magnolia Creamy Chicken Spread 5. Watch the sugar and refined carbs Sugar gives you a temporary energy spike followed by a sharp drop. That’s why sweets or white bread might make you feel alert for a moment then totally drained afterwards. Better swaps: Brown or red rice instead of white rice Whole grain crackers instead of sugary biscuits Unsweetened drinks like black coffee, tea, or infused water 6. Use caffeine wisely Caffeine gives a boost, but too much can mess with your sleep. Stick to: One to two cups of coffee in the morning. No caffeine after 2 p.m. Green tea for a gentler lift 7. Sleep matters No amount of healthy eating can make up for poor sleep. If you’re running on fumes, look at your sleep habits too. You don’t need to overhaul your whole diet overnight. Start with simple changes: eat more whole foods, stay hydrated, and avoid skipping meals. Energy isn’t just about how much you eat, it’s about what and when you eat. Fuel your body right.
San Miguel Foods, Inc. was recently recognized with a Special Citation for Innovation by the Jollibee Group during the 2025 Supplier Summit Awards held in May at the Shangri-La The Fort, Bonifacio Global City. The award underscores SMFI’s outstanding commitment to innovation and its dedication to delivering high-quality, forward-thinking solutions that support the Jollibee Group’s mission of providing great-tasting food and joyful dining experiences. SMFI has worked closely with Jollibee on continuous product enhancements, responded swiftly to process improvement needs, and actively participated in several trial runs to ensure excellence at every stage. Presented by Jollibee Group Chief Procurement Officer Kaustubh Wadekar, the award also reflects the strong, collaborative partnership between San Miguel Foods and the Jollibee Group—founded on shared values of excellence, customer-centricity, and continuous improvement. “This recognition from one of the country’s most admired food companies affirms our commitment to excellence and innovation,” said Tins Mandap, foodservice area sales manager for SMFI. “We are proud to contribute to Jollibee Group’s journey in delivering delightful customer experiences and raising the bar for food quality in the industry.” With the theme “Future-ready, strengthening partnerships, powering possibilities”, the Jollibee Group Supplier Summit Awards celebrates the vital role of suppliers and partners in supporting the company’s growth and global aspirations. San Miguel Foods' recognition underscores its position as a trusted and forward-thinking partner in the food industry.
San Miguel Foods, Inc. was honored with three major awards from McDonald’s Philippines, recognizing its commitment to quality, reliability, and outstanding performance as a key supplier. The company received the Quality Excellence Award during ceremonies held in April at the New World Makati Hotel. SMFI was also named Best Performing Supplier for the Protein–Poultry Category and given the Assured Supply Award (third year in a row) at the 2025 McDonald’s Suppliers General Assembly, themed "Scaling Excellence, Winning Together Through Flawless Execution." The awards were presented by McDonald’s Philippines President and CEO Kenneth Yang and AVP for Supply Chain Management Andre Christopher Villareal. These recognitions underscore San Miguel Foods’ dedication to delivering high-quality products, ensuring supply consistency, and contributing to the success of McDonald’s operations in the Philippines.
Photo from DOLE CALABARZON
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The Department of Agriculture (DA) and San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI) have launched their first nationwide public-private partnership (PPP) in agriculture designed to improve Filipino farmers’ incomes, boost food security, and bring quality food to more Filipinos.
What began as a simple garden plot at the SMC Head Office Complex has now expanded into three Backyard Bukid sites across the Philippines. Initially launched to encourage urban gardening and healthy eating habits among SMC employees, the initiative has since evolved into a comprehensive program aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture and enhancing food security nationwide.
