April 22, 2024

 

Philippine agriculture official acknowledges pork producers' resilience and dedication

 

 

Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has lauded pork producers from across the Philippines for their resilience and dedication as he highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving food security.

 

Addressing participants of the 30th Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits that opened on April 18 at the Iloilo Convention Center, Laurel Jr. said the Philippine congress "underscores the indispensable role of the community and all stakeholders in our journey towards achieving food security for our nation by working together to ensure that every Filipino has access to safe, nutritious and locally-produced pork."

 

"If we could produce more pork, definitely, we could reduce our importation," he said in a message released by the Regional Agri-Fishery Information Section (RAFIS) of the DA in Western Visayas on April 19. "Our goal also embodies the DA's stride towards abundant agriculture across the first economy. Your commitment to excellence in pork production benefits your livelihoods and contributes to our nation's collective well-being and prosperity of our nation as a whole."

 

Laurel Jr. also announced that the department is about to roll out the Cold Examination Facilities for Agriculture (CEFA) in eight locations nationwide in the middle of 2024, with hopes that these will become operational before the next convention.

 

"That is a signal for you all to be interested in going back to the industry," he said.

 

The CEFA aims to prevent the smuggling of imported agricultural commodities and the entry of transboundary agricultural diseases, ensuring the safety and quality of locally-produced pork, according to the RAFIS release.

 

In the same event, Senator Mark Villar said there is a need for a healthy swine industry to generate jobs in the countryside and for agriculture development.

 

In his message, Villar added that swine accounted for 55% of the total animal industry in the Philippines, making it the biggest contributor.

 

As of end September 2023, the total swine inventory in the country was estimated at 9.86 million. Of the inventory, 67.5% came from small farms, while the remaining 29.2% were from commercial and semi-commercial farms.

 

The DA hog congress organised by the Pork Federations of the Philippines Inc. (PFPI) and the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) also showcased the latest advancements in veterinary products, cutting-edge equipment, hog-related services and free seminars on various topics aimed at enhancing the productivity and profitability of pork producers.

- PNA