Pasay City, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. conveyed his optimism on Wednesday regarding the Philippines’ capacity to surmount the challenges brought about by the El Niño phenomenon that is affecting the country’s poultry, livestock, and aquaculture sectors.
Speaking to reporters during a media interview, President Marcos discussed the government’s strategies to sustain the productivity of the Philippine aquaculture industry following the official declaration of El Niño by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
While acknowledging the potential difficulties faced by the agricultural sector, the President emphasized that the issues pertaining to livestock were resolvable. He expressed confidence in the resilience of the poultry and livestock sectors, including broilers, hogs, and cattle.
President Marcos asserted that by continually improving existing systems and effectively addressing major concerns such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza, the country’s capacity to combat diseases impacting these industries could be enhanced. He highlighted the importance of gradually gaining control over these challenges, observing a positive supply situation and stable prices.
The President further affirmed his belief that sustained development and the utilization of new vaccines would enable the nation to overcome these obstacles. He emphasized the need to not only maintain but also enhance the industries, making them more efficient and streamlined.
At the Livestock Philippines Expo 2023 held at the World Trade Center, President Marcos unveiled the implementation of the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion (INSPIRE) Program, benefitting over 430 farmers’ cooperatives and associations. Additionally, he announced the completion of Phase One of the safety and efficacy trials for ASF vaccines, along with the ongoing Phase Two trials, as well as the product certification process by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Furthermore, significant progress has been made in procuring Avian Influenza vaccines, according to the President.
