Background on Model Zoning Ordinance (MZO) and Slaughterhouse Zoning
- The Revised Model Zoning Ordinance was approved by HLURB Board Resolution No. 590, Series of 1996.
- Initially, slaughterhouses/abattoirs were allowed only in Heavy Industrial Zones (I-3).
- Slaughterhouses were classified as Highly Pollutive/Non-Hazardous Industry.
Creation and Role of Committee on Poultry, Livestock, and Feed Crops (CPLFC)
- Formed upon recommendation of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).
- Composed of representatives from private sector, academe, and government.
- Tasked to inspect slaughtering facilities and provide recommendations to promote a healthy environment.
Consolidation of Sanitation Laws and Related Reports
- A Task Force under the Department of Agriculture (DA) was created for consolidation of sanitation laws affecting slaughterhouses.
- Report completed in June 1998 contains recommendations on slaughterhouses/abattoirs issues.
- Harmonization of these recommendations with the Model Zoning Ordinance and Sanitation Code is required to ensure uniformity and consistency.
Amendments to the Model Zoning Ordinance
Sections 13, 14, 18, and 19 are amended to include slaughterhouses/abattoirs as allowable uses with conditions:
- Site and location must be at least 200 meters away from residential areas, schools, churches, places of assembly, courts, or public offices.
- Slaughterhouses/abattoirs should be accessible by transportation.
- Minimum distance of 25 meters from markets and other food establishments.
Specific Zoning Provisions for Slaughterhouses/Abattoirs
Section 13: Medium Industrial Zone (I-2)
- Permits pollutive/non-hazardous and pollutive/hazardous establishments.
- Slaughterhouses/abattoirs Class A & AA specifically allowed as pollutive/non-hazardous use.
Section 14: Heavy Industrial Zone (I-3)
- Permits highly pollutive/non-hazardous, hazardous, extremely hazardous, and other classifications.
- Slaughterhouses/abattoirs of all classes (AAA, AA & A) allowed.
- Other meat processing and preserving uses also allowed.
Section 18: Agricultural Zone (AGZ)
- Slaughterhouses/abattoirs Class A allowed among other uses.
Section 19: Agro-Industrial Zone (AIZ)
- Allows slaughterhouses/abattoirs Class AA and A among other uses.
Implementation and Approval
- Resolution No. 650, amending the MZO, was approved on August 11, 1999.
- Enforced to guide local governments in zoning ordinances concerning slaughterhouses/abattoirs.
- The memorandum was adopted on February 28, 2000, for guidance and information purposes.
Important Legal Concepts
- Classification of slaughterhouses/abattoirs by pollution and hazard levels (Class AAA, AA, A).
- Zoning as a tool for environmental protection and public health by distancing polluting uses from sensitive areas.
- Harmonization between zoning ordinances and sanitation laws to ensure uniform regulatory environment.
- The role of multi-sectoral committees to inform zoning policy based on field inspections and sector expertise.