By Prince Golez
The Philippines can overcome the challenges that the El Niño phenomenon poses to the country’s poultry, livestock, and aquaculture industries, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Wednesday.
“The problem with the water I think is solvable when it comes to… the livestock. Ang mahihirapan sa crops. Sa fisheries, hindi gaano, as you can imagine. So, I think I’m confident… when it comes to livestock and the broilers, the hogs, and the cattle,” Marcos Jr. said in a media interview in Pasay City.
“If we continue to be able to fix the systems and now of course ang pinakamalaking issue ay ‘yung ASF (African swine fever) 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,” he added.
The President said the country can fight diseases affecting industries as long as it continues to develop new vaccines and takes advantage of all new available vaccines.
“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,” according to him.
At the Livestock Philippines Expo 2023 opening, Marcos Jr. announced the completion of Phase One of the safety and efficacy trials for the ASF vaccines, while Phase Two trials are underway.
The government, he added, has implemented the Integrated National Swine Production Initiatives for Recovery and Expansion, with more than 430 farmers’ cooperatives and associations benefitting from the program.
It is also making progress in its pursuit of avian influenza vaccines, the chief executive said.
Related News:
Marcos raises urgent need to boost livestock, poultry sector
