Officials form the Department of Agriculture (DA) met with SGS Philippines, Inc. representatives to discuss possible partnerships aimed at addressing African swine fever and other challenges related to animal health, as well as curbing agricultural smuggling.

During the meeting, the DA officials led by Senior Undersecretary Domingo F. Panganiban, together with DA Assistant Secretary for Regulations Paz Benavidez, Assistant Secretary for Policy Research and Development Noel Padre, and Assistant Secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement James Layug discussed joint activities that may address the challenges faced by the Philippine agriculture sector.

They also expressed support in a possible alliance that will benefit the country’s food industry by protecting locally produced farm products and ensuring healthy stock and swine production.

Operating in the Philippines since 1949, the SGS Philippines has been providing wide range of solutions in the agricultural sector including testing and inspection services, agricultural contract research, as well as soil sampling, mapping, and classification to maximize food productivity. ### (photos by Alan jay Jacalan, DA-AFID)