President Aquino has underscored the importance of public health and safety in relation to efforts at achieving food security for the country.
Speaking at the opening of the Livestock Philippines 2013 Expo and Conference on August 7 at the SMX convention center in Pasay City, the Chief Executive stressed that “food security is not just about ensuring stability of supply; it is just as much about public health and safety.”
“Perhaps the burden is even greater today. After all, while modernization allows stakeholders to become even more efficient this also entails higher standards in maintaining the health of animals, the safety of end products and consumers, and the welfare also of the environment. This is precisely what we are doing in the Philippines—improving each step in the process, from beginning to end,” he stressed.
At the same time, President Aquino expressed the hope that the expo would lead to “partnerships that will spur the growth of the Philippine livestock and poultry industry.”
Hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Livestock Philippines 2013 focused on the theme: “Food Security through Feeds Safety: Its Impact on Livestock Production Efficiency.”
Some 200 exhibitors from different countries participated in the three-day event which showcased technologies that are considered key to more efficient animal production. It also featured a number of conferences on different concerns of the livestock sector, such as animal nutrition, health, production and meat.
The DA livestock group, which comprises the BAI, Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), National Dairy Authority (NDA), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS) and Livestock Development Council (LDC), also took part in the event.
