Eleven farmers, cooperatives, and corporations engaging in livestock-, poultry-, and aquaculture-based enterprises received recognitions for their best practices and innovations during the second Livestock Philippines Recognition last May 22, 2024.
One of the highlights of this year’s Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines, which took place at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City, the Livestock Philippines Recognition was made possible through the partnership between the Department of Agriculture (DA) and international events organizer Informa Markets. It aims to honor the stellar performances of farmers, associations, and corporations and their invaluable contributions and dedication towards the development and modernization of the country’s livestock, poultry, and aquaculture industries.
Receiving the Outstanding Commercial Feedmill for Aquaculture is Santeh Feeds Corporation, a pioneer in aquaculture nutrition and technology development for its manufacture of pelletized feeds for prawns and production of sinking pellets for tilapia and milkfish.
The Outstanding Commercial Feedmill for Swine award was given to the New Panay Agri-Ventures Development, Inc., the leading producer of feeds for hogs, poultry, and gamefowl in Panay with markets in Palawan, Negros Occidental, Romblon, and Masbate.
The Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative was recognized as an Outstanding Layer Farm and Outstanding Swine Farm. The largest and multi-awarded agri-based cooperative in the Philippines, the co-op started with a goods store that offers basic commodities for residents as well as feeds and veterinary products for local farmer-members. Currently, It has successfully ventured into contract growing activities.
Another Outstanding Layer Farm recipient was the Ta-ala Farms, Inc., which boasts of a daily production of 12,000 eggs since 1999 following its use of the Egg Machine as well as other innovations.
Three others also received the Outstanding Swine Farm award: the OsMir Farm, a piggery in Sta. Maria, Bulacan that is known to regularly support the Brigada Eskwela, Reading Month, and other initiatives of the local Department of Education; the Cathay Farms, Inc., one of the country’s hog farms that overcame the challenges posed by the African Swine Fever outbreak in 2019 through proactive measures and strategic management; and the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc., an active partner of the government in discussing data, trends, issues, and government legislations that are beneficial to all industry stakeholders.
Meanwhile, two cooperatives from Cavite were recognized as Outstanding Livestock Cooperatives: the 122-member strong Rosario Livestock and Agriculture Farming Cooperative that engages in carabao and dairy production as well as the Silang Livestock Agricultural Cooperative established by tricycle drivers-turned-backyard hog farmers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Outstanding Ruminant Farm recognition also went to two other cooperatives: the Aces Philproducers Corporation, an agri-food corporation, and the Mallig Dairy Cooperative, an assisted cooperative of the DA-National Dairy Authority that takes pride in its modern infrastructure and machineries for dairy production and processing. Both co-ops are known to be chief contributors to their locality’s School-based Milk Feeding Program of the DA-National Dairy Authority, DA-Philippine Carabao Center, Department of Education, and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
“As we navigate the challenges of our rapidly changing world, your commitment to excellence and sustainability remains our guiding light. This will be used as a testament to the strides that we have made together, to recognize the trailblazers who have set high benchmarks in productivity, innovation, and sustainability, to honor those who have dedicated their lives to advancing the livestock industry and ensuring that it remains a vital part of our nation’s fabric,” DA Undersecretary for Livestock Deogracias Victor Savellano said, addressing this year’s awardees.
The DA official also noted the importance of exchanging ideas, willingness to learn continuously, and collaborating with other sectoral players in order for Philippine agriculture to achieve greater heights.
Usec. Savellano also stressed the need for the livestock industry to innovate and adapt to be able to address the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, evolving consumer preferences, and global market fluctuations.
“Sustainability is at the heart of our industry’s future as we strive to meet the growing demand for animal protein. We must ensure that our practices are environmentally responsible and social equitable initiatives in sustainable farming practices, waste management, and renewable energy are paving the way for a greener and more resilient livestock sector. Let us also look ahead to the future that we aspire to build—a future where the livestock industry is synonymous with innovation, sustainability, and excellence; a future where our practices not only meet the needs of the day but also preserve the potential of tomorrow,” he concluded. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
