Soccsksargen's poultry and stock industries will get a boost in their bid to advance their global competitiveness, with the Department of Agriculture -12 assembling in excess of 300 industry stakeholders in the first Regional Livestock and Poultry Congress to be held in General Santos City.
The Department of Agriculture -12's Agri-Pinoy livestock program coordinator, Dr. John Pascual, explained the two-day congress that begins today on the 6th of June, it is expected to be visited by representatives from the swine, poultry, cattle and ruminant sectors, feed millers, local government officials and the academe.
"The congress aims to focus on the major issues that impact the local livestock and poultry industry," Dr Pascual said.
Distinguished industry leaders are also expected to meet at the congress to network, swap marketing, discuss investment opportunities and gain updates and trends in regards to the industries involved.
In addition to the comprehensive sessions and open forums, the congress plans to showcase the Soccsksargen's industry with the help of displays, and include displays and visits to top farms, meatpacking plants, feed mills, and other livestock facilities in the proximity of Gensan.
Amongst the planned visits in the itinerary are the Jolisa Agribusiness Corp, a successful agribusiness venture; Matutum Meat Packing Corp., an AAA class meat processing facility, and B-Meg-Gensan Feed mill.
Proceso Alcala, Agriculture Secretary, is likely to address the participants in the congress' opening ceremonies.
Topics of the comprehensive sittings include industry profile and roadmap, market and investment opportunities, programs and policies, public-private partnership opportunities, and DA's credit program.
Some of the data released profiling the livestock industry dealt with at the congress shows, the Soccsksargen Region (also referred to as Region 12) ranks 3rd in commercial production of hogs and 7th in total hog production in the country. Two of the biggest hog producers in the Philippines - Biotech Farms and Progressive Farms have their bases located in Region 12.
Soccsksargen supplies 3 percent of the country's poultry requirements
Besides hog and poultry, the Region 12 Department of Agriculture also is hoping to widening the global market for goat meat and milk products, along with the development of the Halal industry.
"In order to support to the increased animal production, the feed industry in the region has also improved" the congress briefer continues. Soccsksargen's Feed mills include B-Meg Gensan Feed mill, TATEH Feed mill and the newly constructed Biotech Feed mill.
Soccsksargen Region covers the states of North Cotabato, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos, Koronadal, Tacurong, Kidapawan and Cotabato.
