Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., guest of honor at the event – Hog Festival 2025, commended the federation’s nearly 500-strong membership for their critical role in sustaining rural economies, feeding communities, and keeping the pork industry alive amid challenges such as African Swine Fever (ASF), rising feed costs, and volatile market conditions.
With the theme “Sarap ng Pinoy Pork, Mula Nguso Hanggang Buntot,” the festival celebrated not only food, but also Filipino ingenuity and resilience. A cooking showdown featuring students, chefs, and restaurateurs showcased beloved dishes like lechon paksiw, sinigang na pata, dinuguan, and sisig nguso.
He called the hog sector “a cornerstone of food security” and urged stronger partnerships to uplift backyard and commercial hog farmers. “You rise, you adapt, and you elevate. This is what Filipino agriculture looks like—resilient, flavorful, and full of promise.” ### (Photos by Jay Morales, DA-OSEC)
