President Aquino assures Philippine hog industry

The Philippines’ economically stunted growth in hog and poultry industries, along with the issues of unfair completion surrounding the illegal imports of meat and meat products has prompted Department of Agriculture to schedule meetings with leaders in the hog and poultry industries, according to Philippine Informatino Agency.

The meetings will take place in the coming weeks.

The Philippines’ President Aquino, represented by the agriculture secretary Alcala, spoke at the 21st Annual convention of the National Federation of Hog Raisers (NFHFI) and Pork Producers Federation of the Philippines (ProPork), held in Mandaue City.

Through the secretary, he addressed the following issues where the government is endeavouring to the support the two industries.

In a speech read by secretary Alcala, president Aquino highlighted some of the most significant policies and initiatives that were crafted to further prop up the livestock industry, including initiative s to build several new AAA abattoirs in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as instituting an meat quality accreditation system, in tandem with upgrading national animal diagnostic laboratories.

There are also ongoing negotiations to export chilled and frozen pork to Japan, Malaysia and countries in the Middle East.

The president further assured the industry that he has directed the agriculture department and associated livestock agencies to implement policies and provide support to further develop and strengthen the country’s swine industry, with the aim of making it globally competitive.