Policies, latest trends in animal industry take center stage at Livestock Expo Conference

Author: DA-AFID | 2 July 2026

Livestock and poultry raisers, agripreneurs, researchers, students, and other industry stakeholders convened at the Livestock Conference-held at the World Trade Center Metro Manila in Pasay City from June 24 to 25-to discuss key policies, best practices, innovations and emerging trends shaping the local and global animal industry.

Organized as part of the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2026 Expo, the two-day conference featured experts from the Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA), academe, and the private sector. Discussions were organized into four (4) thematic tracks: Policy Sector, Poultry Development, Swine Recovery, and Ruminant Development.

The Policy Sector sessions highlighted government policies, financing mechanisms, and support programs aimed at enhancing the competitiveness and sustainability of the livestock industry. Speakers included Atty. Ryx Brandice Deona and Dr. Marie Shella Ordinario of the DA-Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), together with Emmalyn Guinto, chief of the DA-Agricultural Credit Policy Council Communications and Public Affairs and Information Systems Management Division Chief.

Focusing on strengthening poultry production, promoting animal welfare, and advancing innovative farming practices within the poultry industry, the Poultry Development track featured presentations on opportunities for smallholder poultry farmers by San Jose Workers Multipurpose Cooperative Chairperson Cecille Virtucio, animal welfare in poultry by Animal Kingdom Foundation Program Director Atty. Heidi Marquez-Caguioa, and rabbit production as an emerging livestock enterprise by AVEN Nature's Farm owner Artemio Veneracion, Jr.

The Swine Recovery track centered on accelerating the swine industry recovery from the impacts of African Swine Fever (ASF). Resource speakers included BAI-Animal Health and Welfare Division Officer-in-Charge and National ASF Prevention and Control Program head Dr. Janice Garcia, DA-International Training Center on Pig Husbandry Director Dr. Ruth Miclat-Sonaco, and Dr. Zeny Diana delos Santos of the DA-National Livestock Program (NLP).

Showcasing opportunities and innovations in the cattle, goat, sheep, dairy, and allied subsectors, the Ruminant Development sessions highlighted research and development on high-yield honeybee strains by Jessica Baroga-Barbecho of the University of the Philippines Los Baños Bee Program, commercial goat and sheep production by Isabela State University-Cagayan Valley Small Ruminants Research Center Director Dr. Jonathan Nayga, Intensified Research-Based Enterprise Build-Up (iREB) database by DA-Philippine Carabao Center's Planning and Information Management Division Chief Zadieshar Sanchez, cryobanking of animal genetic resources by DA-PCC Cryobank Section Chief Dr. Lilian Villamor, and dairy development and national milk sufficiency by DA-National Dairy Authority Corporate Planning and Management Services Department Manager Shayne Sumagaysay.

"These thematic areas reflect our shared goal of building a more resilient, productive, and globally competitive livestock industry, one that can effectively respond to the needs of our country while providing better opportunities and improved livelihoods for our farmers and livestock raisers," DA Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock Dr. Benjamin C. Albarece explained.

He added that the conference aims to serve as a catalyst for stronger collaboration among government agencies, industry players, academe, and other stakeholders in crafting concrete actions toward a more vibrant, sustainable, and prosperous livestock industry."

In a video message, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante J. Palabrica reaffirmed the Department's commitment to advancing the livestock and poultry sectors through programs that boost production, improve farmers' livelihoods, and strengthen national food security.

"As we continue to face challenges such as the ASF, climate change, rising production costs, and market demands, stronger collaboration between the government, private sector, academe, and our livestock producers is needed more than ever. We believe that modern technologies, scientific research, and evidence-based policies are essential ingredients to ensure the long-term growth of the sector," he said.

Also through video messages, DA-NLP Director Dr. Claro N. Mingala and Deputy Director Noverlee P. Calub underscored the Program's continued commitment to delivering relevant, strategic, and timely services as the Department's banner program for the development of the livestock and poultry industries.

The Livestock Conference was one of the major side events of the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2026 expo organized by international trade events organizer Informa Markets in partnership with the DA. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)