QUEZON CITY -- The Livestock Expo Philippines 2022 formally opened at the World Trade Center Manila, Pasay City on August 24, bringing together more than 3,500 stakeholder participants from all over the globe on its first day.

First held in the country in 2011, the Livestock Expo is considered to be the premier international trade platform for industry stakeholders. It is organized by international exhibition expert group Informa Markets and is hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Catering to a diverse audience, the expo proved to be an indispensable platform for sharing diverse perspectives, knowledge, and experiences in the livestock industry.

"This is an opportune time to regroup in Manila as the country strives for global competitiveness," shared Informa Markets Asia President Margaret Ma Connolly during her opening speech.

For DA Assistant Secretary for Operations Arnel de Mesa, the diversity among the exhibitors also confirms the presence of the latest technologies in the livestock subsector—the primary focus of the agency's Agriculture 4.0 campaign.

"The problem is massively scaling these so that even the smallholders and backyard raisers can benefit. That is the job of the DA, to find innovative recommendations for systematically diffusing these promising tools," he expressed.

Through the introduction, use, and distribution of modern technologies, Asec. de Mesa is positive that transboundary animal diseases can be immediately detected, managed, contained, and eradicated on the first border level.

After losing more than two million head of hogs in 2021 due to the African Swine Fever (ASF), Asec. de Mesa noted that there are only seven regions now with reported active ASF cases lower than their peaks as of August 11. He credited the twin programs,  Bantay ASF sa Barangay (BABay ASF) and the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE), the ASF vaccine trials, the opening of the first ever Center for Transboundary Animal Diseases in Nueva Ecija, and the active participation of livestock cooperatives in this steady road to recovery.

Expressing support for the Philippine agriculture sector, keynote speaker and Senator Mark Villar emphasized the need for "responsive government policies and support programs to develop the whole value chain of the livestock, poultry, and dairy industries in the country." He also urged for the prioritization of regulations on animal disease prevention and control, the enforcement of food safety and quality standards on agricultural commodities, and the enhancement of the country's food production and agricultural competitiveness.

"Through this event, I hope you will be empowered. Remember that you have highly important roles in the development of our country. I am confident that you will not stop your pursuit of excellence," Senator Villar emphasized.

The ceremony was capped by the official launching of the Gawad Livestock, a more vibrant and more intensive recognition of all Filipino farmers, producers, agricultural extension workers, private sector, learning sites, and other industry stakeholders.

"Gawad Livestock gives more focus on our stakeholders, especially in the livestock sector, so that they would be more enticed to expand and to level up their production processes," shared by DA-National Livestock Program (NLP) Director Ruth Miclat-Sonaco.

DA offices also joined the roster of 240 exhibitors from 23 countries such as NLP, BAI, National Meat Inspection Service, National Dairy Authority, Philippine Carabao Center, Agricultural Training Institute, International Training Center on Pig Husbandry, Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries, National Tobacco Administration, and Agricultural Credit Policy Council. Other government financing institutions—Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines—also joined the DA booth. The consolidated DA booth offers a wide array of livestock and dairy products, cooking demonstrations, information and communication materials, services, and consultations through its corporate and product display areas.

Experts and officials from the Department are also set to discuss various topics and issues concerning Philippine livestock production, food safety and biosecurity, transboundary diseases, and more during the three-day event.

The Livestock Expo Philippines 2022 is open and free to the public. (KYAVergara/DA-AFID)