Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has lauded pork producers from across the country for their resilience and dedication as he highlighted the critical role of collaboration in achieving food security.

Addressing participants of the 30th Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits that opened Thursday at the Iloilo Convention Center, Laurel said the congress “underscores the indispensable role of the community and all stakeholders in our journey towards achieving food security for our nation by working together to ensure that every Filipino has access to safe, nutritious, and locally-produced pork.”

“If we could produce more pork, definitely we could reduce our importation. Our goal also embodies the DA’s stride towards abundant agriculture across the first economy. Your commitment to excellence in pork production benefits your livelihoods and contributes to our nation’s collective well-being and prosperity of our nation as a whole,” he said in his message, released by the Regional Agri-Fishery Information Section (RAFIS) of the DA in Western Visayas on Friday.

He also announced that the department is about to roll out the Cold Examination Facilities for Agriculture (CEFA) in eight locations nationwide middle of this year and hopefully become operational before their next convention.

“That is a signal for you all to be interested in going back to the industry,” he said.

The CEFA aimed to prevent the smuggling of imported agricultural commodities and the entry of transboundary agricultural diseases, ensuring the safety and quality of locally-produced pork, according to the RAFIS release.

In the same event, Senator Mark Villar said there is a need for a healthy swine industry to generate jobs in the countryside and for agriculture development.

In his message, Villar said swine accounted for 55 percent of the total animal industry in the Philippines, making it the biggest contributor.

As of end September 2023, the total swine inventory in the country was estimated at 9.86 million.

Of the inventory, 67.5 percent came from small farms, while the remaining 29.2 percent were from commercial and semi-commercial farms.

The DA hog congress organized by the Pork Federations of the Philippines Inc. (PFPI) and the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) also showcased the latest advancements in veterinary products, cutting-edge equipment, hog-related services, and free seminars on various topics aimed at enhancing the productivity and profitability of pork producers.

PFPI chairman Nicanor Briones, president Ronaldo Tambago, NFHFI chairman Chester Warren Tan, and vice chairman Alfred Ng joined Laurel and Villar during the opening program that culminated with the ceremonial lechon choppings and blessing of exhibits. (PNA)