Lifestyle

Photo shows from left: Dr. Claro N. Mingala, Department of Agriculture Program Director, NLP; Dr. Christian Daquigan, Department of Agriculture BAI-OIC Director; Asst. Secretary Michael J. Garcia, Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Swine and Poultry; Ms. Rungphech Rose Chitanuwat, Informa Markets in the Philippines Country General Manager; Dr. Contante Palabrica, Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock; Asst. Sec. Benjamin C. Albarece, Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Ruminant Livestock; Dr. Noverlee Calub, Department of Agriculture Deputy Director, NLP; Dr. Liza T. Battad, Department of Agriculture PCCExecutive Director and Atty. Marcus Antonius T. Andaya, Department of Agriculture NDA Administrator.

The premier international trade shows for cutting-edge aquaculture, livestock, and poultry production and processing are once again being held by Informa Markets.On June 25–27, 2025, Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines will take place at the World Trade Center Manila in Pasay City. Over the course of the three days, these consecutive livestock and aquaculture events are anticipated to draw up to 10,000 people from over 30 nations, 250 exhibitors, and industry specialists.

I’m truly looking forward to the continued growth and success of our agriculture sector, especially with the promising initiatives and strategic plans currently being developed and implemented. Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2025 are set to be game-changing events that will drive innovation, foster global collaboration, and support the country’s agricultural growth and economic development.

“The Philippines under the Bagong Pilipinas government of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has put the agriculture industry among its priorities, recognizing the potential to spur and support national economic growth in the near to long term. This is why Livestock Philippines 2025 and Aquaculture Philippines 2025 are very important events that Filipinos and local businesses should watch out for,” said Rungphech ‘Rose’ Chitanuwat, Country General Manager of Informa Markets in the Philippines.

The Department of Agriculture strongly supports and hosts this year’s event, with their guidance focusing on the theme of Empowering Agri-Fishery Through Modern Technology and Innovation. This theme aligns closely with the agency’s mandate to highlight the significance of innovation and modernization in enhancing productivity and efficiency in agricultural production.

Challenging times for the livestock sector

The Philippine livestock production grew 6.37 percent in 2024 to 2.17 million metric tons from 2.05 million metric tons in 2023, based on data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). As usual, poultry production contributed much to the growth, with the sector posting a 6.6 percent increase in production to 2.94 million metric tons from 2.76 million metric tons in 2023.

The sector was affected by the impact of La Nina weather phenomenon on livestock producers across the country in the first half of 2024. Much of the growth was accumulated during the second half. Hog production recorded decrements due to the spread of swine flu during the period, while carabao and cattle production slightly increased.

To date, the sector is looking forward to the impending enactment of the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, a legislation that is set to bolster the local livestock sector. The bill has passed third reading at the House of Representatives and is expected to be among those that will be prioritized after the midterm elections. Once approved and enacted, it will create an Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ANICEF) that would earmark a ₱20 billion fund for the next 10 years to rationalize and strengthen the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Promising aquaculture subsector

Aquaculture is among the brightest prospects in the country’s agriculture industry and fisheries sector. Its potential to contribute to the national economy and to the uplifting of people’s welfare could not be undermined. Data from the PSA indicate that aquaculture currently accounts for over half of the annual fisheries production in the country. Seaweed accounts for about 70 percent of the local aquaculture production.

The United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimated the local aquaculture production at 804,000 metric tons in 2022, accounting for about 31 percent of the country’s total fisheries production. FAO projects the production to reach 965,000 metric tons by 2032, which would account for 34 percent of the overall fisheries production.

Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2025

Aside from the usual trade exhibitions and conferences focused on both sectors, the co-located events of the Livestock Philippines 2025 and Aquaculture Philippines 2025 will hold the Livestock Philippines Recognition 2025, which is designed to recognize companies, institutions, cooperatives, organizations, and even individuals that have demonstrated exceptional work to help boost the country’s agricultural industry. Nominations for the Recognition are now accepted through the website (www.livestockphilippines.com) until May 26, 2025.

The event will feature a variety of activities designed to foster knowledge-sharing and provide effective solutions for the industry. One key highlight is the Livestock Conference, which will showcase insights from invited industry experts spanning the livestock, poultry, dairy, and ruminant sectors. This conference aims to address current challenges and innovations, encouraging collaboration and the exchange of best practices among participants.

The events will mark their first Antimicrobial Resistance Forum that is set to spark important discussions surrounding animal health and the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance. By bringing together experts and stakeholders, the forum will explore strategies for addressing this growing concern, ultimately enhancing animal welfare and public health.

On the second day of the event, there will be an Aquaculture Conference devoted to the aquaculture industry. The purpose of this conference is to give fishermen and industry participants a forum to talk about the latest developments, difficulties, and prospects in the aquaculture sector. Additionally, exhibitors will highlight cutting-edge innovations that help boost productivity and efficiency during a Technical Seminar that will feature novel technology and solutions. The Sustainability Forum, which will feature material related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, is another important element. This Sustainability Forum will highlight the value of ethical aquaculture for social justice and environmental preservation while offering insights into sustainable business methods.

Livestock Philippines and Aquaculture Philippines 2025 registration is free. To register and find out more about the back-to-back trade fair, go to www.livestockphilippines.com.

Voters, take note! Voting has been much simpler this year as the countdown to the May 12, 2025, national and local elections gets underway.

Voters fill the venue at SM North EDSA during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections in 2023.

SM Supermalls is pleased to introduce the Mall Voting Program (MVP) at 20 selected SM malls around the country in collaboration with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), bringing democracy literally closer to home.

The days of oppressive heat and packed school gyms are long gone. On May 12, eligible voters who have been assigned to MVP locations can go to the SM mall of their choice to cast their ballot in a safe, convenient, and air-conditioned setting. Whether you’re a working professional, a busy parent, or an elderly person seeking convenience and comfort, the MVP is made to make voting easier, one step (or escalator trip) at a time.

Who Can Vote in the Mall?

Only voters whose precincts were officially transferred to a mall. This is indicated in the final list from COMELEC.

How Can I Confirm If I Vote in a Mall?

Check any of the following:

• comelec.gov.ph
• Your Voter Information Sheet (VIS)
• Mall posters or tarps
• Barangay caravans or your local COMELEC office

Voting Hours at the Mall:

• 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM— Priority: Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant voters
• 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM— Regular voting hours

Can I Bring Someone to Help Me Vote?

Yes, a relative (up to 4th degree) or Electoral Board member may assist.

Can My Companion Vote at the Mall Too?

Only if their precinct was also officially transferred to the same mall.

Here’s a list of the participating SM Supermalls where you can conveniently vote this coming May 12:

1. SM City Manila
2. SM City North EDSA
3. SM City Fairview
4. SM City Sucat
5. SM City Bicutan
6. SM City BF Parañaque
7. SM City East Ortigas
8. SM City Southmall
9. SM City Cauayan
10. SM City Baliwag
11. SM City Tarlac
12. SM City Batangas
13. SM City Santa Rosa
14. SM City Puerto Princesa
15. SM City Legazpi
16. SM City Iloilo
17. SM City Consolacion
18. SM CDO Uptown
19. SM CDO Downtown
20. SM City Butuan

SM Supermalls offers a convenient mall voting experience for the 2025 elections, with 20 SM malls where people can vote.

From Luzon to Mindanao, SM Supermalls is proud to open its doors—rent-free—for the benefit of Filipino voters. And don’t worry, COMELEC’s got the backend handled: trained election personnel, full compliance with electoral rules, and tight coordination for logistics and security.

Why mall voting works

The goal? A smoother, more inclusive voting experience—especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant voters. Think ramps, elevators, comfortable seating, and spacious voting areas—all in a familiar and accessible setting.

“We believe democracy should be inclusive, convenient, and secure,” shared Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls. “By offering our malls as voting venues, we’re not just making it easier to vote—we’re helping empower every Filipino to make their voice heard.”

People sit and observe the proceedings, awaiting the election results at SM North EDSA.

Democracy meets convenience

This isn’t SM’s first time teaming up with government agencies. Through the SM Government Service Express (GSE), select SM malls already offer one-stop access to services like ID processing, permits, and more. The MVP is yet another way SM Supermalls is stepping up to serve the public in meaningful ways.

Plan ahead

Eligible for mall voting? Expect an official advisory from COMELEC about your assigned voting venue. Then, on May 12, head to your designated SM mall, bring a valid ID, and vote with ease.

Let’s all do our part—vote smart, vote safe, and vote comfortably.

Find your precinct number easily at precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph.

Visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media for additional information and real-time updates.

As an active participant in the global movement for cleaner seas, SM Prime is committed to protecting the environment and inspiring Filipinos to live sustainably.

The pursuit of healthier oceans and seas necessitates steadfast dedication, steady effort, and sincere concern for our planet. As a prominent supporter of this worldwide movement in the Philippines, SM Prime has made environmental stewardship a fundamental part of its corporate identity in addition to being a duty.

SM City Tanza volunteers join a Philippine Coast Guard coastal cleanup, demonstrating SM Prime’s environmental commitment.

Beyond just preserving coastal ecosystems, SM’s unwavering commitment, in keeping with its Net Zero 2040 strategy to reduce emissions, encourages Filipinos in all communities to lead sustainable lives, turning awareness into tangible change.

And this dedication continues to translate into tangible, meaningful results. In 2024 alone, SM’s mall cleanup initiatives successfully collected and diverted a total of 157,425 kilograms of trash from ending up in our seas, oceans, and other bodies of water, significantly reducing its impact on marine biodiversity and helping preserve our planet’s marine ecosystems.

Understanding the intricate relationship between waste and climate change, SM has been helping to address the solid waste crisis not only because it pollutes our waters but also because it contributes significantly to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Landfills filled with organic and plastic waste emit methane, a potent GHG far more destructive than carbon dioxide in accelerating climate change. Through proactive cleanup activities and robust waste management initiatives, SM addresses this issue head-on, significantly reducing environmental harm while mitigating its impact on the global climate.

SM’s continued success in its advocacy stems from the collective strength and cooperation of its diverse business units. This synergy allows the organization to extend its cleanup initiatives from coastal areas to smaller but equally vital water channels like rivers and esteros. By mobilizing hundreds of dedicated employees and thousands of enthusiastic volunteers, SM ensures that its efforts are extensive, impactful, and enduring.

Part of SM Prime’s success in its cleanup initiative can be attributed to its employees and countless volunteers, who help ensure that all of its efforts are comprehensive and long-lasting.

Collaboration lies at the heart of SM’s environmental initiatives. Recognizing that achieving cleaner oceans requires collective action, SM consistently partners with government agencies, local governments, and international organizations. Frequent collaborators include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), various local government units (LGUs), and global groups such as Ocean Conservancy, particularly for the annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC).

ICC 2024 represented a significant milestone for SM’s participation in the initiative, celebrating its 10th consecutive year of engagement while also being its largest to date, activating 15 SM malls nationwide and drawing an extraordinary turnout of 23,320 passionate volunteers. This record-breaking participation highlights SM’s growing influence and underscores the expanding public enthusiasm for protecting our oceans.

Dedicated to keeping up this momentum, SM keeps up its cleanup efforts by being actively involved. Since January 2025, SM By the Bay has conducted monthly cleanups, showcasing the company’s dedication to long-term environmental care.

Looking ahead, SM extends an invitation to the community to join its major cleanup efforts on June 7, which will be a celebration of Philippine Environment Month and World Oceans Day; September 20, which is International Coastal Cleanup Day; and November 24, which will empower youth participation in the National Day for Youth in Climate Action.

“Everyone has a role to play in achieving a cleaner, healthier planet. For us at SM, we always encourage Filipinos to be active participants in environmental preservation by joining our cleanup activities, segregating waste responsibly at home, and supporting the SM Waste Free Future campaign through our Recyclable, Disposable, and Compostable (RDC) bins found in our malls,” said SM Supermalls President Steven Tan.