Carrying the torch for a modernized, sustainable, and empowered livestock, poultry, aquaculture, and feeds industries in the Philippines, this year’s Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines offered a comprehensive display of cutting-edge technologies and innovations as well as insightful engagements with stakeholders to around 10,000 local and international visitors at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City on June 25 to 27.
Centered on the theme, “Empowering agri-fisheries through modern technology and innovation,” the said business-to-business trade fair and exposition organized by Informa Markets and co-hosted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) aims to uplift the agriculture sector towards inclusive and transformative national development.
Noting the importance of agricultural modernization towards economic development and national progress in conformity with the vision of the Marcos administration, the DA through Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Michael Garcia—expressed his support for the event, “to all our partners here and abroad, may our partnership and collaboration continue to grow. Let us ensure that no Filipino farmer or fisherfolk is left behind. Let us strive for livestock and aquaculture industries that are competitive, sustainable, and inclusive,” Asec. Garcia emphasized.
Asec. Garcia assured that the Philippine government remains resolute in crafting and implementing initiatives that will support local agri-fishery workers and businesses. “Ang tunay na pag-unlad ay hindi lang nasusukat sa dami ng makinarya o teknolohiyang naihahatid natin; nasusukat din ito sa kaalamang naipapasa natin sa ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, sa lakas ng loob na naibabalik natin sa kanila, at sa mga pagkakataong naibibigay para sila’y magtagumpay. Patuloy naming inilalapit ang makabagong teknolohiya, tulong pampuhunan, access sa merkado, at pagsasanay. Ginagawa namin ito upang mapagaan ang inyong trabaho at mas mapalakas ang inyong ani, huli, at kita,” he conveyed.
Meanwhile, Informa Markets in the Philippines Country General Manager Rose Chitanuwat said,“with approximately 9.3 percent of agricultural output, it is vital that we have to embrace new technologies and innovations into the development of the agricultural sector especially the livestock and aquaculture sector, thus, we bring you this Livestock and Aquaculture Expo.”
DA-BFAR Director Elizer Salilig also expressed his appreciation for the event’s efforts to support aquaculture advancement in the country, stating, “Aquaculture holds immense potential to drive inclusive development in coastal and inland communities. Events like this provide a platform for sharing innovations, establishing partnerships, and empowering stakeholders from fisherfolk to investors. This year’s theme, centered on technology and innovations, are aligned with BFAR’s strategic direction to boost aquaculture productivity and resilience.”
The annual Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines serves as a platform to introduce various agricultural technologies, products, and services of over 200 exhibitors to thousands of farmers and fisherfolk, agripreneurs, traders, processors, animal health specialists, members of the academe, and the general public, among others.
Among these exhibitors are the DA livestock agencies, namely, the National Livestock Program (NLP), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Dairy Authority (NDA), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and the International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) of the DA-Agricultural Training Institute. They are also joined by the DA-Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) and the DA-Halal Food Industry Development Program (HFIDP).
Altogether, the DA Pavilion brought the agriculture department’s technical knowledge, programs, and services closer to the public, earning the Sustainability Booth Design Award under the Informative category. The DA-BFAR also showcased a variety of freshwater species and other knowledge materials at the Aquaculture Pavilion.
Meanwhile, experts from the Department joined the discourses on animal health and production, marketing, research for development (R4D), and other topics during conferences and technical seminars held across the three-day event.
For its 2026 installment, the expo is set to take place at two schedules: first, at the World Trade Center Metro Manila, Pasay City from June 24 to 26; and second, at the IEC Convention Center, Cebu from November 11 to 13. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)
