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DA Usec Paras underscores backyard hog raisers' role to food sufficiency
by Christmas B. de Guzman

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jesus Emmanuel M. Paras who spoke in behalf of Secretary Arthur C. Yap pointed out that backyard hog raisers are the most important people as far as livestock is concern, particularly in hog production. This he said during the 17th National Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits on 24-26 April 2008 at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC), Mandaue City.

He stressed that “With regard to today's issue on rice production, food sufficiency is not a problem if the efforts of all local government units (LGUs), private sectors, and other institutions are unified.”

With this year's theme, “Enhancing Pork production for the Export Market,” the convention through various exhibitors featured the latest swine production equipment and techniques and new medications for hogs. It was hosted by the Cebu Association of Meat and Poultry Products Multi-Purpose Cooperative headed by Chairman Pluy Ong.

Organized by the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI), the launching ceremony had Convention Chairman Edwin G. Chen welcoming the guests and participants and NFHFI President Albert R.T. Lim Jr. giving the opening remarks. He said that the convention hopes to help promote and protect the interests of the country's hog farmers and serve as a venue to enhance the opportunities for growth, efficiency, equity and sustainability of the P120-billion hog industry.

As partner and sponsor, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) participated in the event where BAR publications and research papers made by scientists associated with the bureau were exhibited in the booth. Completing the set of cooperators were DA RFU-6, DA RFU-7, DA RFU-8, Livestock Development Council, Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), National Food Authority (NFA)-Corn Development Fund, and GMA Corn Program.

The three-day event also included a series of seminars on swine management and production, and the eradication of common swine diseases as well as a live hog exhibit. It also highlighted the addition of the 1st Backyard Hog Farmers Congress (on the third day), sponsored by Robina Agri Partners.