President Marcos also acknowledged the challenges faced by the sector, particularly the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza. He mentioned the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE Program), which has benefited over 430 farmers' cooperatives and associations and more than 13,000 members, assisting in the detection and prevention of these diseases.
In terms of progress, the President announced the completion of Phase One of safety and efficacy trials for ASF vaccines, with the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) confirming their effectiveness and safety. He mentioned ongoing Phase Two trials and expressed caution about the remaining 20 percent risk despite the vaccine's positive impact. Additionally, efforts are underway to procure Avian Influenza vaccines, with manufacturers registering their products with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The said expo will exhibit the importance of collaboration between government agencies, stakeholders, and the private sector in developing solutions to combat livestock and poultry diseases with the aim to have productive dialogue and knowledge sharing to advance the industry and assured the government's commitment to implementing data and science-based policies and programs.
President Marcos expressed his hope to uplift farmers and restore pride to the agricultural profession, recognizing their significant contributions in feeding and nourishing generations of Filipinos. He encouraged participants at the trade fair to make the most of the available knowledge and tools, envisioning a food-secure, sustainable, and resilient Philippines in the future.
“We will work to find ways to increase our farmers’ incomes so that they can lead a dignified and comfortable life and return to the profession a sense of pride that has been lost over the years. It is our hope to bring back nobility to a profession that has sacrificed so much to feed and to nourish us for many, many generations,” he said.
The event brought together approximately 300 suppliers from 32 countries, showcasing agricultural feeds, machinery and equipment, management systems, and solutions.
Prominent exhibitors such as National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), the National Dairy Authority (NDA), the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH), the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), and the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards (BAFS) are to showcase their contributions at the event. Additionally, the Development Bank of the Philippines and the Land Bank of the Philippines, DA's credit support partners for farmers, fisherfolk, and agricultural cooperatives and associations, were present.
The expo is from July 5 to 7, 2023.
Among those in attendance at the launch were Sen. Cynthia Villar, along with DA Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban.
It is expected that around 10,000 farmers, traders, visitors, and stakeholders from the Philippine livestock, poultry, and aquaculture supply chains will participate in the activity. (PIA-NCR)
