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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider Metro Manila devider QC backs swine industry recovery through Hog Festival 2026

QC backs swine industry recovery through Hog Festival 2026

Published Jun 4, 2026 02:26 pm
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte joins officials of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. during the Hog Festival 2026 press conference and media launch held at the QC M.I.C.E. Center in Quezon City Hall on June 4, at 10:30 a.m. In photo are (from left) Chester Warren Tan, chairman of the hog farmers group; Belmonte; Giana Aira A. Barata, officer-in-charge; Alfred Ng, vice chairman; and Dr. Corazon P. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte joins officials of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. during the Hog Festival 2026 press conference and media launch held at the QC M.I.C.E. Center in Quezon City Hall on June 4, at 10:30 a.m. In photo are (from left) Chester Warren Tan, chairman of the hog farmers group; Belmonte; Giana Aira A. Barata, officer-in-charge; Alfred Ng, vice chairman; and Dr. Corazon P. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
The Quezon City government on Thursday, June 4, expressed its support for the recovery of the country’s swine industry through Hog Festival 2026, a national program that promotes locally raised pork and assists hog farmers affected by African Swine Fever (ASF).
SUPPORTING LOCAL PORK. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte joins officials of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. and culinary students from Our Lady of Fatima University during the Hog Festival 2026 press conference and media launch at the QC M.I.C.E. Center in Quezon City Hall on June 4. The festival aims to promote locally raised pork and support the recovery of the country's swine industry. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
SUPPORTING LOCAL PORK. Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte joins officials of the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. and culinary students from Our Lady of Fatima University during the Hog Festival 2026 press conference and media launch at the QC M.I.C.E. Center in Quezon City Hall on June 4. The festival aims to promote locally raised pork and support the recovery of the country's swine industry. (Trixee Rosel/MANILABULLETIN)
Mayor Joy Belmonte said the hog industry remains a vital part of the country’s economy and food security, providing livelihood to farmers, vendors, restaurant operators, and other stakeholders across the value chain.
She noted that the industry continues to recover from the impact of ASF, which emerged in 2019 and contributed to a significant decline in the national hog population, affecting supply and farm incomes.
The city government is partnering with the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. for Hog Festival 2026, which brings together farmers, chefs, students, industry leaders, and consumers in a nationwide celebration of Filipino pork heritage, culinary creativity, agriculture, and community spirit.
As part of the 2026 festivities, two major culinary events will be held on June 12 at Araneta City in Quezon City.
PorkLabanan: The Great Pinoy Pork Culinary Wars will take place at Gateway Mall 2, Quantum Skyview at 1 p.m., featuring student chefs from Far Eastern University, Our Lady of Fatima University–Quezon City, La Salle–College of Saint Benilde Antipolo, and Lyceum of the Philippines–Manila, competing alongside mentor chefs in pork-based culinary challenges.
In the evening, The Great Pinoy Pork 8: Degustation with a Mission will be staged at the Novotel Manila Araneta City Grand Ballroom at 6 p.m., featuring dishes prepared by chefs Myke “Tatung” Sarthou, Rhea and Jayjay Sycip, Jac Laudico, Rolando Laudico, mixologist Aaron Aw, and chef Ericjan Buenaflor.
Festival organizers said Hog Festival 2026 aims to rebuild confidence in locally produced pork by linking farmers directly with restaurants, hotels, supermarkets, and other institutional buyers.
They added that the initiative also promotes the advocacy message “Support Local. Love Local. Be Filipino.” amid ongoing challenges such as ASF recovery, rising pork imports, and minimum access volume policies affecting the domestic hog sector.
Organizers said the festival also carries education and scholarship components for aspiring chefs, agriculture students, and children of hog farmers to help develop future professionals in the food and agriculture industries.
Quezon City officials said the event supports the city’s broader food security and urban agriculture programs, noting that it has expanded its urban farming initiatives with more than 1,400 urban farms and over 44,000 urban farmers under its livelihood programs.
Belmonte also cited previous initiatives, including a Guinness World Record-setting pork showcase in 2024 featuring 313 dishes and a 2025 edition that highlighted sustainable food practices and Filipino culinary heritage.
She added that the city has strengthened agricultural education through Quezon City University’s Center for Urban Agriculture Research, which trains students and practitioners in urban farming systems in a highly urbanized setting.

Related Tags

METRONEWS Quezon City Joy Belmonte Hog Festival 2026 swine industry hog farmers African Swine Fever June 12 Araneta City
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