The National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. did more than just bring home the bacon on Friday.
NatFed, as the local swine industry group is better known, brought to the Philippines another Guinness World Record. This one is for “the most varieties of pork dishes on display.”
Sonia Ushirigochi, adjudicator of Guinness Book of World Records, announced NatFed’s achievement of holding the world record for serving 313 pork dishes at the start of the five-day Hog Festival at the Gateway Mall in Cubao, Quezon City.
“As you know, the minimum is 300. Today, we have 341 dishes that were submitted. However, we have some disqualifications. Some of the dishes did not meet the guidelines. We have 28 dishes that did not meet the guidelines, so we have a total of 313. We have a new Guinness World Record,” said Ushirigochi.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., who was guest speaker at the opening of the 5-day Hog Festival, said the Guinness World Record should spur interest in the local hog industry and DA’s effort against the African Swine Fever that had undermined local swine production.
He expressed optimism that a vaccine would be accredited by the Food and Drug Administration before the end of the year. He said a Vietnamese firm and an American company are now seeking FDA approval for ASF vaccine and at least two more are expected to seek vaccine accreditation.
“Hopefully, we can eradicate ASF by next year,” Laurel said.
Asked which of the over 300 pork dishes on display he appreciated, the agri chief said: “Nagustuhan ko yung dinuguan na may puto. I really liked it.”
