The Philippines created a new Guinness World Record for the most variety of pork dishes on display during the Hog Festival 2024 held at the Araneta City on March 1, 2024.
“We are truly breaking boundaries with our efforts. This international event positions the Philippines as a premier food tourism destination. Tourists will not just visit us for the pristine beaches but for the irresistible taste of our local pork delicacies,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. expressed as he promoted increased support for local pork production and consumption.
He also committed the continued support of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to the country’s hog industry stakeholders by taking decisive actions against the spread of the African Swine Fever (ASF) to revive the industry.
“Research and development are integral to our strategy, and collaboration with scientific institutions and industry experts will drive the development of innovative solutions for ASF management and eventual eradication. We understand the financial strain on our farmers and we are committed to providing financial assistance and support programs,” the agri chief said.
During the opening of the Hog Festival event led by the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NatFed), the participants served 341 pork dishes. The Philippines surpassed the minimum 300 pork dishes with 313 qualified dishes following the records guidelines. The guidelines include the following: 1) the dishes must be made from pork; 2) the dishes must contain at least three kilograms of pork; and 4) each dish must be unique.
“It will promote consumption and create more awareness on ASF. Basically, awareness on the issue of ASF will actually help control it. This event is very helpful for that, more awareness and how we can address ASF especially with biosecurity,” Secretary Tiu Laurel said.
He also recognized NatFed’s work in supporting local pork production, increasing per capita pork consumption, linking farmers with institutions, and aiding backyard farmers in repopulation.
“Working hand in hand, the government and the hog industry can implement strategic measures, strengthen biosecurity, and provide support to our local hog industry, especially to our small hold farmers,” the agri chief said.
In her message, Senator Cynthia Villar also highlighted how the event can complement tourism by creating pork food destination that can contribute to job creation and boost local economies.
“We have to stop agricultural smuggling to protect our local hog farmers. It is up for the Bicameral Conference to decide on this. Napasa na namin po sa Senado at napasa na rin po sa Kongreso ang tinatawag nating Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law which is an amendment to the Anti-Agriculture Smuggling Law in 2016,” Senator Villar said.
She added that they will pass the Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Bill and Corn Bill at the soonest to finance the strengthening of the hog industry coming from the tariff on imported animal products and feeds for the benefit of local hog farmers.
“The law will promote and strengthen our industry. As you know, our aim is to lessen imports and increase local production,” the DA chief said.
To create a world record for the Most Variety of Pork Dishes on Display, the NatFed collaborated with Araneta City, the RestoPH, STI, and other culinary schools.
Officials present during the event include Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano, Department of Tourism Regional Director Sharlene Zabala-Batin, NatFed Chairman Chester Warren Tan, Sinag Chairman Rosendo So, and Guinness World Records Adjudicator Sonia Ushirogochi, among others. ### (Gumamela Celes Bejarin, DA-AFID)
