The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Livestock Agencies, successfully concluded the 2024 National Livestock and Poultry Summit on October 12, 2024. The four-day event brought together nearly 200 stakeholders from the livestock and poultry industry, including government officials, veterinarians, and private sector representatives.

The summit focused on DA initiatives, key industry updates, challenges, and opportunities for the sector. Among the topics discussed were the DA’s efforts on animal disease surveillance and monitoring, African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI) vaccinations, dairy herd build-up, providing credit and insurance services, and supporting emerging livestock and poultry industries, such as quail, rabbit, and honeybees.

“Ako’y nagagalak po na ngayon ang Department of Agriculture, under the leadership of our good secretary, Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu-Laurel, ay developmental po yung gusto niyang gawin at maging productive po tayo sa lahat. Kunwari pinaguusapan natin ang livestock ngayon, nakita namin na talagang medyo yung mga hayop natin, all species ang pagusapan, kasi masyado tayong nakatugon sa baboy, sa manok, etcetera, pero madami din po tayong napapabayaan,” Usec. Savellano said. (I am happy that now, under the leadership of our esteemed Secretary Francisco ‘Kiko’ Tiu-Laurel, the Department of Agriculture is focused on development and productivity in all aspects. For instance, when we talk about livestock now, we realize that we need to consider all species of animals, because we’ve been overly focused on pigs and chickens, and have neglected other livestock.)

He also highlighted the department’s initiatives to support the feed industry and prevent the entry of transboundary animal diseases through the establishment of Cold Examination Facilities in Agriculture (CEFA).

“Ang daming gustong pumasok ng livestock pero ngayon ang magiging problema na po nila yung mga pagkain, forage. So yan po ang isang gusto naming gawin, na ating palakasin, para po masuportahan po ang industriya. Secondly, nandito po kami ngayon because ang isang event po namin dito, we’re also discussing yung about CEFA, na gustong mangyari ng ating presidente at tinutugunan na po ng ating secretary,” Usec. Savellano added. (Many people want to enter the livestock industry, but now their main problem will be feed and forage. So, that’s one of the things we want to strengthen to support the industry. Secondly, we’re here today because one of the events we’re discussing is about CEFA, which our president wants to happen and our secretary is already addressing.)

Also joining the event were DA Assistant Secretary Dr. Benjamin Albarece, DA-RFO VII Technical Director Dr. Wilberto Castillo, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) OIC-Director Diosamia Sevilla, and PCAF OIC-Deputy Executive Director Cyril Soliaban.

The summit resulted in several key agreements, including the granting of authority to DA-Regional Executive Directors and Local Chief Executives to declare ASF outbreaks, provided that laboratory tests were conducted and had resulted positive. Other recommendations involved the enhanced information campaigns on the indemnification guidelines for AI-affected farms and farmers and the establishment of new rehabilitation programs for ASF-affected areas.

The DA also informed the participants that they are currently coordinating with local government units regarding the ASF vaccination efforts and that biosecurity guidelines for monitoring and surveillance of animal diseases are being crafted.

The Pork Producers Federations of the Philippines, Inc. and the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. also expressed their willingness to assist BAI in distributing the initial batch of 10,000 ASF vaccines by organizing local hog producers.

Over 70 participants also visited the Lamac Multi-Purpose Cooperative on October 10, 2024 in Pinamungajan, Cebu to learn about sustainable livestock and poultry farming practices. The cooperative’s success serves as a model for other cooperatives in the region.

The participants had the opportunity to explore the cooperative’s diverse agricultural ventures, including a farm school specializing in poultry, livestock, and cacao, as well as agri-booths, greenhouses, a dairy buffalo multiplier farm, a dairy processing plant, a white buffalo and forage area, an Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program area, a poultry farm, and an orchard. Additionally, the stakeholders visited the cooperative’s dairy box, where it sells its products.

The Lamac Coop, a partner and beneficiary of DA, was chosen as the model coop to demonstrate how associations and cooperatives can contribute to food security and rural development.

The 2024 National Livestock and Poultry Summit was hosted by the DA-Regional Field Office VII and conducted in collaboration with various DA livestock agencies, including the National Livestock Program, BAI, National Meat Inspection Service, National Dairy Authority, and Philippine Carabao Center. | Joy Camille Luza