President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed optimism Wednesday that the Philippines can overcome the hurdles posed by El Niño phenomenon to the country’s poultry, livestock, and aquaculture industries.
The President made the remarks during a media interview in Pasay City where he was asked how the government could maintain the good production status of the Philippine aquaculture sector following the declaration of PAGASA of El Niño phenomenon.
“The problem with the water I think is solvable when it comes to in terms of the livestock. Ang mahihirapan sa crops. Sa fisheries, hindi gaano, as you can imagine. So, I think I’m confident that when it comes to livestock and the broilers, the hogs, and the cattle,” he told reporters.
“If we continue to be able to fix the systems and now of course ang pinakamalaking issue ay ‘yung ASF pa rin at saka ‘yung Avian influenza. So, dahan-dahan mukhang nakokontrol naman natin at nakikita natin magandang supply dito sa atin ngayon. Hindi naman masyadong magalaw ‘yung presyo, medyo stable.”
The President said he believes that as long as the country continues to develop more and take advantage of all of the new available vaccines, it can fight diseases affecting the industries.
“I think kakayanin natin i-sustain. Hindi lamang i-sustain ito pero pagandahin pa natin, palakahin pa natin. Make it more efficient, make it more streamlined.”
During the Livestock Philippines Expo 2023 opening at the World Trade Center, the President said the government is implementing the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion, or the INSPIRE Program, with more than 430 farmers’ cooperatives and associations benefitting from the program.
He also announced the completion of Phase One of the safety and efficacy trials for the ASF vaccines, and the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product certification process for the vaccines while Phase Two trials are underway.
The government is also making progress in the procurement of Avian Influenza vaccines, he said. PND
