Targetted for completion in December, the laboratory will be built near the plant of Matutum Meat Packing Corp., which was tapped as among two firms to export pork meat, located at Barangay Glamang in Polomolok.

The establishment of the laboratory has the full backing of private hog growers in South Cotabato, said Rene Molina, National Meat Inspection Service-Central Mindanao deputy director. In fact, the South Cotabato Swine Producers Association donated the 1,500-square-meter lot, he pointed out.

The meat laboratory will have the capability to conduct microbial analysis, chemical level analysis, veterinary drug residue analysis and other meat-related examination and inspection.

The first shipment of pork meat to Singapore was originally scheduled last July but has been delayed. It is expected to push through next month.