South Cotabato Swine Producers Association (SOCOSPA) president Chester Warren Tan and National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NFHFI) president Vicente Mercado were also there to witness the event.
SOCOSPA and NFHFI are the major organizers of the 23rd Hog Convention
Secretary Alcala expressed his gratitude at the enthusiasm that Mayor Rivera showed when it comes to agriculture related initiatives.
Earlier this year when Sec. Alcala was also in the city, Mayor Rivera proposed two projects to the Department of Agriculture for the development of the mango industry and of the Integrated Food Terminal in the city.
"Sana di ka magsawa na makita ako ni Mayor kung ganito," Alcala kidded.
Senator Cynthia Villar, Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food chair, also thanked Mayor Rivera for inviting her to the hog convention.
In the same event, Mayor Rivera also led the ceremonial slicing of lechon (roasted pig) and the ribbon cutting ceremony which signaled the start of the Trade Exhibits.
The 23rd Hog Convention is the biggest gathering of swine investors and stakeholders in the country. It is a three-day event, starting from April 3 to 5.
Seminars regarding swine herd health management and strategies, updates on the prevention and control of swine-related diseases, consolidation of swine market ideas and schemes will also be held as part of the convention.
SOCOSPA president Warren Tan said he is happy that after 17 years, the city was able to host the Hog Convention.
"Proud tayo after 17 years, malaki na ang pagbabagong narating ng GenSan kaya ngayon ay napili ang city para maging host ng convention," Tan stated.
"There are two factors bakit matagal ulit naging host city ang GenSan. First, dahil ang selection ng city ay cycle and second, dahil nung nakaraan, kulang pa ang hotels ng GenSan para mag accommodate ng at least 2,500-3,500 na participants," he added.
The emergence of Greenleaf Hotel, Sun City Suites, Microtel and Roadhouse hotel have supplemented to the capacity of East Asia Royale Hotel and other existing inns and hotels in the accommodation of the visitors for the convention.
Tan stressed that they want to expand the hog industry in GenSan and the rest of Region 12.
Tan said that every year, there is an increasing production of swine and swine products in the region by not less than 10%.
In the 2013 data given by the Department of Agriculture Region 12, the hog production of Region 12 ranks 3rd in Mindanao and 7th in the entire Philippines.
He is also thankful to Mayor Rivera for the support given by the local government of General Santos City to the hog convention.
"I really appreciate the support of the local government, the Sangguniang Panlungsod, other government agencies and of course to the city mayor. They are all very cooperative"
Aside from staging the expansion of the hog industry, Tan said that he wants to promote GenSan as a hog industry player to help Mayor Rivera make the city as the agri-industrial hub of the region.
A map shown by the DA indicated GenSan as the hub for the market trade of livestock. Products from the areas of Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato and Sarangani are delivered here in GenSan before being marketed in Davao, Iloilo, Negros and Cebu.
"With this 23rd Hog Convention, we want to showcase GenSan as a must-visit city. 70% of GenSan's visitors are first timers so we want to take this opportunity to help promote the city's tourism," Tan added. (GENSAN CPIO/Ian John M. Lagare)
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