July 10, 2023

Philippines president calls for revitalisation of livestock and poultry sectors

Philippines President Ferdinand R Marcos Jr emphasised the urgent need to revitalise the livestock and poultry industries in the country order to ensure food security and enhance global competitiveness, Philippine News Agency reported.

Speaking at the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2023 event in Pasay City, Marcos pledged to address the challenges faced by these sectors and foster partnerships for their development.

Highlighting the significance of the livestock and poultry sectors, Marcos acknowledged their role in providing food for millions of Filipinos and livelihood opportunities for farmers and service providers. He expressed his commitment to streamline value chain systems, improve public access to local produce, and mitigate the impact of food inflation on farmers and consumers.

Marcos stressed the importance of productive dialogue and the sharing of best ideas, practices, and technologies among government agencies and stakeholders to advance the poultry and livestock industries. He assured that his administration would implement data and science-based policies and programs to tackle the issues faced by these sectors.

About disease prevention, Marcos underscored the need to detect and prevent the spread of African swine fever (ASF) and avian influenza. He highlighted the progress made in the development of ASF vaccines, as Phase 1 of safety and efficacy trials have been completed. Marcos also acknowledged the ongoing efforts to procure avian influenza vaccines and finalize guidelines for their administration.

Commending the launch of Livestock Philippines 2023 by the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Informa Markets Asia, Marcos said that the trade fair would promote the use of innovative technologies, techniques, and knowledge to enhance farmers' productivity and income. He urged participants to make the most of the event's offerings, including technical seminars and conferences that showcase market trends and industry developments.

Livestock Philippines 2023, held in conjunction with Aquaculture Philippines 2023, aims to bring together local and international exhibitors to showcase innovative products and provide a platform for discussions on livestock and aquaculture production. The event serves as a hub for industry players and offers access to various activities that cater to the entire value chain, from production to processing.

-      Philippine News Agency