First Regional Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines expo goes to Cebu

Author: DA-AFID | 13 November 2026

For the first time, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Informa Markets staged the regional edition of the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines expo in Cebu City, bringing best practices, technologies, and innovations in the livestock, poultry, meat, feeds, and aquaculture industries closer to local animal raisers and stakeholders.

Opening its gates at the Waterfront Cebu Hotel and Casino, Cebu City last November 11, attracted 4,000 visitors-most especially from the Visayas and Mindanao-with over 100 booths and 40 technical seminars and conferences. The three-day event will end today, November 13, until 5pm.

With the theme, "Modern Farming Practices, Bountiful Harvests: The Future of Livestock and Aquaculture," the regional expo continues the legacy of the nationwide Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines last June: the shared vision of the Informa Markets and its partners-the DA Family agencies included-to modernize and advance sustainable aquaculture, poultry, and livestock industries in the country.

"We chose to have the event in Cebu because in Visayas, agriculture is the main driver for generating livelihoods, building food security, and developing the livestock and poultry industry. Exhibitions like the Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines help bring innovation and the connecting expertise into the city. It is an opportunity for networking and learning," explained Rungphech Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets Philippines.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Dionson Archival Sr., through the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries Officer-in-Charge Dr. Jessica Maribojoc, shared his support for the expo as a platform to unite farmers, veterinarians, industry partners, and other stakeholders to come up with solutions for challenges such as animal diseases and the need to strengthen production.

Meanwhile, on behalf of DA-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) National Director Elizer Salilig, Region VII Regional Director Mario Ruinata described the expo as the result of a fruitful public-private partnership.

"The convergence of our nation's livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors underscores a shared national priority-building a resilient, technologically advanced, and sustainable agri-aquatic value chains capable of guaranteed food trade corridors and dynamic marine, freshwater, and brackish water environments-and serves as an ideal host for forging forward-looking partnerships across Visayas and Mindanao," he said.

Describing the expo as a venue for knowledge sharing and capacity building, DA Regional Field Office VII Regional Technical Director for Research and Regulations Dr. Wilberto Castillo reiterated the need for research and innovations to go beyond theories and be used in the actual practice of agriculture.

"Research must respond to the actual needs of our farmers and provide practical solutions-from improved breeds and stronger biosecurity to better feeding, animal health management, and climate-smart production practices. We must remember that research only creates real value when its results reach the farmers and improve their lives. Technologies should not remain in laboratories and research papers; they must find their way into our farms and contribute to greater productivity and better resilience," he explained.

DA Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry Michael Garcia conveyed Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. and the DA's unwavering support to the conduct of the first Regional Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines and commitment to agricultural development and modernization.

"Through initiatives such as livestock repopulation, multiplier farm development, genetic improvement programs, stronger biosecurity measures, modern value-chain infrastructure, and accessible financing, we aim to build a more productive, resilient, and sustainable industry. Food security requires collective action. By strengthening collaboration among the national government, local communities, and private-sector partners, we can build a competitive livestock industry that provides safe and affordable food, supports our farmers, and contributes to national development," Asec. Garcia added.

With these goals in mind, the National Livestock Program, Bureau of Animal Industry, National Meat Inspection Service, Philippine Carabao Center, Agricultural Training Institute, International Center for Pig Husbandry, and BFAR intend to bring their programs and services closer to the people by distributing information materials, providing client assistance, and conducting promotional activities at the DA and Aquaculture Pavilions.

DA Family experts also comprised the roster of resource speakers for the Livestock and Aquaculture Conferences throughout the three-day expo. ### (Krystelle Ymari A. Vergara, DA-AFID)