Philippines sets world record in pork cuisine

The Philippines has etched its name in the Guinness World Records by showcasing the most variety of pork dishes in a single event.

The Hog Festival 2024, held on March 1 at Araneta City, displayed a staggering 341 pork dishes, shattering the minimum requirement for the record.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr., buoyed by this gastronomic feat, highlighted the broader implications for the local hog industry and food tourism.

“We are truly breaking boundaries with our efforts. This international event positions the Philippines as a premier food tourism destination,” he said.

Secretary Tiu Laurel underscored the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) commitment to supporting the hog industry’s recovery, particularly in the wake of the African Swine Fever (ASF) crisis.

“Research and development are integral to our strategy…We understand the financial strain on our farmers and we are committed to providing financial assistance and support programs,” he pledged.

The event, orchestrated by the National Federation of Hog Farmers, Inc. (NatFed), not only served to break a world record but also aimed to heighten ASF awareness and promote local pork consumption.

Senator Cynthia Villar, in her address, linked the success of the event to the broader context of tourism and job creation. She also took the opportunity to reinforce the legislative efforts to protect local farmers, including the passage of laws aimed at bolstering the local hog industry.

The DA and NatFed, in collaboration with various partners, including culinary schools, seek to enhance the stature of the Philippines’ culinary heritage while bolstering local agriculture and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the nation’s hog farmers.

The Hog Festival 2024 represents a symbolic victory and a tangible step toward the DA’s goal of boosting local production and reducing reliance on imports, a sentiment echoed by Secretary Tiu Laurel.

“The law will promote and strengthen our industry. As you know, our aim is to lessen imports and increase local production.” (With photo and reports from AFID-DA)