As VegFest Pilipinas celebrates its 10th anniversary, the festival continues to champion plant-based living as a means of fostering climate action and food justice. Scheduled to take place on March 29 to 30, 2025, at Paseo De Roxas, Makati, the event invites Filipinos to explore how plant-based choices contribute to a more sustainable future. Attendees can look forward to:
• Inspiring talks from experts in sustainability, health, and plant-based living
• Delicious vegan food and drinks
• Sustainable products and eco-friendly alternatives
• Festive performances and interactive games
• Rescued animal adoption opportunities
• A vibrant community advocating for a kinder, healthier world
Urgency of sustainable food systems
Filipino cuisine is celebrated for its rich flavors and diverse dishes, many of which prominently feature meat, poultry, and other animal-based ingredients. While these traditional foods are an essential part of our culture, they also contribute significantly to climate change and environmental degradation.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land, the global food system is responsible for approximately 21 percent to 37 percent of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agriculture and land use—particularly livestock farming—are among the largest contributors to these emissions.
Livestock farming is a major source of methane, a greenhouse gas over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat over a 20-year period. Research also showed that despite providing just 18 percent of global calorie intake and 37 percent of global protein intake, meat, and dairy production uses 83 percent of farmland and accounts for 60 percent of agriculture-related GHG emissions. These numbers underscore the disproportionate environmental cost of animal agriculture.
Challenges in the local agricultural sector
In the Philippines, agriculture remains a crucial yet challenging industry. Despite its hard work, more than 30 percent of Filipino farmers live below the poverty line, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority in 2023. Many farmers struggle with limited access to financial support, technology, and climate-resilient farming methods. At the same time, extreme weather events—such as typhoons, droughts, and rising temperatures—pose increasing threats to their livelihoods and food security.
The agricultural sector is at the heart of the country’s socioeconomic and environmental challenges, with poverty and climate change exerting significant pressure on farmers and food production. Transitioning to sustainable agricultural practices is not only vital for environmental conservation but also essential for improving the livelihoods of those who depend on farming. The government, businesses, and communities must collaborate to break the cycle of poverty, address climate change, and prevent biodiversity loss.
Another essential aspect of this transformation is a shift in food consumption patterns. By reducing reliance on resource-intensive animal agriculture and embracing plant-based diets, individuals can help lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable and equitable food system. This transition creates opportunities for local farmers to diversify their crops, lessen dependence on livestock, and adopt regenerative agricultural practices. By cultivating more plant-based food sources, farmers can contribute to a stable, sustainable food supply while improving their economic prospects and resilience to climate change.
Toward greener food systems
The IPCC Special Report on Climate Change and Land recognizes that dietary shifts—such as reducing meat and dairy consumption—are effective strategies for climate change mitigation. Transitioning to plant-based diets can lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduce land and water use, and promote biodiversity. Supporting sustainable agricultural practices not only preserves natural resources but also strengthens Filipino farmers' resilience against climate change.
VegFest Pilipinas proudly endorses the Plant-Based Treaty, a global initiative urging governments to transition away from animal agriculture to combat climate change, restore ecosystems, and ensure food security.
By participating in the festival this year, individuals can take meaningful steps toward sustainability. Ultimately, it serves as an opportunity to make a positive impact on the planet, support Filipino farmers, and contribute to a healthier future for generations to come.
About the Author: One of the VegFest Pilipinas organizers is Climate Reality Leader Peachie Dioquino-Valera, a member of the 1,800-strong Climate Reality Leaders network in the Philippines. An earlier version of this article was written by Jamela Dennise S. Andres, with edits and contributions from Climate Reality Philippines.