CEBU CITY — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. called on private businesses to take a bigger role in strengthening the country’s meat sector, saying government and industry must work together to secure food supplies, stabilize prices, and protect public health.
Speaking at the 37th anniversary of the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. on August 4, 2026, he praised the industry for maintaining output despite threats from African swine fever, avian influenza, rising costs, supply chain issues, and climate risks.
The Department of Agriculture is ramping up disease control, biosecurity, and livestock recovery programs, but Tiu Laurel stressed these efforts cannot succeed without strong private sector support. He urged firms to invest in modern technology, traceability, sustainability, and high food safety standards to build consumer trust and boost global competitiveness. He noted a strong meat processing industry is vital to national food security, ensuring Filipino families have steady access to safe, affordable protein.
