National Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits set in Cebu

24 April 2008
Christmas de Guzman

Commercial and backyard hog raisers gathered at the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in Mandaue City for the 17th National Hog Convention and Trade Exhibits organized by the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) on 24-26 April 2008.

The launching ceremony had Convention Chairman Edwin G. Chen for the welcome remarks. NFHFI Pres. Albert R.T. Lim Jr. gave the opening remarks subsequently. He said that the convention aims 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.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Jesus Emmanuel M. Paras served as the keynote speaker in behalf of Secretary Arthur C. Yap. He pointed out that backyard hog raisers are the most important people as far as livestock is concern, particularly in hog production. He added 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 is hosted by the Cebu Association of Meat and Poultry Products Multi-Purpose Cooperative, headed by Chairman Pluy Ong.

As both cooperator and sponsor, the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) participated in the event wherein 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.