Animal welfare in the Philippines has always been about companion animals. Unknown to many, farmed animals are subjected to cruel practices in industrial farms. We, the Asia for Animals - Farm Animal Coalition (FAC) and Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) agreed it is high time to spotlight farmed animal welfare and uplift their living conditions. On June 28, 2024, we co-organized the Farm Animal Coalition Regional Event Philippines which brought together over 50 participants from government bodies, non-profit organizations, and universities. This gathering, hosted at the University of the Philippines’ campus in Quezon City, served as a dynamic platform where 12 speakers from the fields of animal welfare, veterinary science, and academia shared their work and insights. The event fostered valuable networking opportunities and strengthened connections among attendees.
Key Takeaways
“We hear the pigs oinking, we hear the cows mooing, we hear the rooster and chicken croaking… We hear them every day but we are never listening. We are never listening to their grief. They've always been saying–hey it's our time, look at us, it's our time. Kami naman!” said Heidi Caguioa, Program Director of Animal Kingdom Foundation. Heidi began the event with powerful opening remarks, highlighting the importance of our gathering to discuss farmed animal welfare and form collaborations.
The topics presented and discussed were broad and impactful. The discussions kicked off with an exploration of animal welfare issues concerning farmed animals in the Philippines, highlighting both government and non-government initiatives aimed at improving farmed animal welfare. This naturally segued into a veterinarian’s perspective, which emphasized that animal welfare extends beyond just dogs and cats. By recognizing that farmers are also pet owners in their communities, the event underscored how a ripple effect could positively influence the welfare of farmed animals.
Building on this, the event delved into current policies on farmed animal welfare, addressing various issues and concerns. Insights from advancing swine welfare advocacy further enriched the discussion, revealing that many smallholder farmers raise swine out of passion, often influenced by early exposure and the high cost of meat. These farmers typically learn through experience or passed-down knowledge and rarely consult veterinarians. The importance of biosecurity measures, especially in the wake of the African Swine Fever (ASF) pandemic, highlighted the ongoing need for education and support for farmers, linking back to the broader theme of improving farmed animal welfare through informed practices.
International perspectives were then brought into the conversation with highlights from Taiwan's farmed animal welfare campaigns and the cage-free campaign in the Philippines. These presentations offered strategies that could be adapted locally, reinforcing the interconnectedness of global and local efforts. The presentation on "Better Fish, Tomorrow" expanded the scope to improving fish welfare, while discussions on the role of academia and student leaders emphasized the importance of engaging young minds in promoting farm animal welfare. Last but not least, the impact of disasters on the welfare of farmed animals was another crucial topic, with the speaker sharing observations and issues that arise during such events.
All of the presentations naturally led into an engaging Q&A session where attendees raised numerous questions and speakers offered valuable insights, tying together the various themes explored throughout the event. FAC Regional Event Philippines also created an interactive workshop that allowed attendees to divide into groups and discuss pressing topics: farmed animal welfare issues surrounding policies, institutional support, external challenges, and public awareness. They identified needs, set goals, and brainstormed collaborative solutions to address these challenges.
On the board, a question was posed: "How can you help improve the state of farmed animals?" The diverse answers ranged from promoting animal welfare education and implementing robust welfare policies to strengthening animal welfare curriculums and supporting ethically sourced food. Ultimately, all the discussions and insights boiled down to a simple yet powerful notion–it should start with ourselves.
In summary
Receiving plenty of positive feedback from our attendees, we know the event was a resounding success, offering a comprehensive view of farmed animal welfare issues and inspiring participants to take actionable steps toward improvement.
Thank you for your advocacy in securing the welfare of our animals.
This is great for collaboration.
Well delivered. More seminars like these.
I enjoyed and learned a lot. Thank you for having us here.
Let’s look back at more moments from the FAC Regional Event Philippines while we’re preparing the next one that may be in your country! Stay updated with other Asia for Animals online and in-person events, and subscribe to our monthly mailing list for more.
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