The Department of Agriculture (DA) and international events organizer Informa Markets jointly headlined the launching of the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2024 with the theme, “Harnessing innovation and technology for sustainable farm development.”
On its first day, the expo opened with 200 exhibitors from 18 countries in the presence of thousands of farmers, fisherfolk, traders, manufacturers, processors, quality controllers, consumers, animal health and welfare professionals, academicians, local officials, and foreign dignitaries. It has steadily become the premier event for the livestock, poultry, meat, feeds, and aquaculture stakeholders since its first run in 2011.
Among the expo’s highlights is the DA Pavilion housing nine operating units of the Department — the National Livestock Program (NLP), the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the 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 Bureau of Fisheries Standards (BAFS), and the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF)—as well as the government financial institution Land Bank of the Philippines.
For its seventh installment, the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines sheds light on the vital role of innovation and sustainability in agricultural development and modernization. In her opening message, Informa Markets in the Philippines Country General Manager Rungphech Chitanuwat acknowledged the significant potential of the Philippine livestock and aquaculture industries albeit facing several setbacks including the outbreak of transboundary animal diseases.
“We can see that the sector has been through challenges over the years. However, with the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines, we expect that we can set the tone to put the community together. I am confident that this event will support the country’s direction in improving the sustainable production in the farm system,” said Chitanuwat.
This was affirmed by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., who stressed the critical role of technologies and innovations in intensifying the livestock and aquaculture subsectors as drivers of economic growth, food security, and livelihood for millions of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
“With advancements in various fields, we have the opportunity to revolutionize the way we raise and manage our livestock. As we face these challenges of feeding a growing population while minimizing our environmental footprint, it is imperative that we embrace innovation and leverage technology to drive sustainable farm development,” the Secretary noted in his message read by DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano.
The agri chief also took pride in the DA’s innovative solutions for the livestock and aquaculture industries such as the use of precision farming, smart livestock management, genetic improvement and artificial breeding, sustainable feeds solutions, data analytics and digital agriculture tools, sensor-based monitoring systems, multi-species aquaculture facilities and community satellite hatcheries, development of government feed mills, production of natural food, and exploring emerging commodities, to name a few.
He also declared the DA’s intent to invest in Sexed semen—which allows for the pre-selection of desired sex of offsprings for precise genetic selection, better management of breeding programs, and vaccine development—by 2025.
“Innovation alone is not enough. We must also ensure that these advancements are accessible and inclusive, benefiting farmers of all scales and communities across the country. By fostering partnerships, sharing knowledge, and investing in education, we can empower farmers with the tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape,” the Secretary added.
Recognizing the efforts of the expo to advocate for innovation and sustainability in Philippine agriculture, Senator Francis Tolentino recognized the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines as an inspirational event for all Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
“Let us share knowledge, let us foster collaboration, let us build together a future where our livestock and aquaculture industries would thrive, providing nutritious food and sustainable livelihoods for millions. To all the participants present, thank you very much for raising the Philippines, with the help of the Department of Agriculture, in the map of those trying to not just innovate but also improve food security in the Philippines and also globally.”
The three-day expo will run from May 22 to 24, 2024 at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City.
Aside from the DA Pavilion, the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2024 also features a wide array of special exhibits: the Aquaculture Pavilion led by the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center/Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD) and other aquaculture associations; the Eggcellent Corner run by the Batangas Egg Producers Cooperative; the Sustainability Square as a platform to raise awareness on sustainable practices; and the Innovation Theatre to showcase the latest state-of-the-art products for the livestock and aquaculture industries.
Aside from exhibitions, the event also hosts the ASEAN Associations Roundtable with select DA delegates and industry stakeholders as well as a series of technical seminars, fora, and conferences courtesy of industry experts from the DA and other institutions.
The second Livestock Recognition Philippines was also held concurrent to the opening day of the expo to honor a total of 11 farmers, cooperatives, corporations, and other institutions that have exemplified best practices in livestock production. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
