The Philippines made history on Friday by setting a new Guinness World Record for serving the most pork dishes. The record-breaking feat took place during the Hog Festival in Quezon City, organized by the National Federation of Hog Farmers Inc. (NatFed), where a staggering 313 pork varieties were served.
To achieve this remarkable milestone, the Philippines had to surpass the minimum requirement of 300 pork dishes set by Guinness. The World Record Certificate was presented by Guinness Official Adjudicator Sonia Ushirogochi, who revealed that initially, 341 dishes were submitted. However, 28 of them were disqualified for not meeting the stringent guidelines set by Guinness.
The NatFed Chairman, Chester Warren Tan, expressed his belief that this record will serve as an encouragement for local hog farmers to expand their operations, ultimately leading to increased pork production. The goal is not only to boost local hog production but also to raise the per capita consumption of pork. Currently, the Philippines has a per capita consumption of 13 to 14 kilos of pork, and NatFed aims to increase it to 16 to 17 kilos.
Tan further emphasized that the Hog Festival will play a significant role in promoting tourism by showcasing the country’s culinary tradition of serving delicious pork dishes. This celebration of pork will undoubtedly attract food enthusiasts from around the world, eager to indulge in the unique flavors and culinary expertise of the Philippines.
In addition to celebrating this culinary achievement, the Guinness record also serves a vital purpose in raising awareness about the African swine fever (ASF) that has affected the local hog population. The Philippines experienced a significant decline in pig production due to ASF, with the inventory dropping from a record-high of 12.8 million heads in 2020 to 9.94 million in 2021 and further to 9.43 million in 2022.
The impact of ASF has been particularly severe for small-scale farmers, whose inventory plummeted from 9.44 million in 2020 to 7.18 million in 2022. The disease has had devastating financial implications for these farmers. In response, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. acknowledged the challenges faced by hog farmers and pledged financial assistance and support programs to help them overcome this crisis.
To combat the spread of ASF, the government is focusing on reinforcing biosecurity measures, enhancing quarantine protocols, and implementing robust sanitation practices in hog farms nationwide. The goal is to prevent further outbreaks and protect the hog population from this highly contagious disease. Tiu Laurel emphasized the importance of early detection in controlling the virus and highlighted the government’s commitment to intensifying surveillance and monitoring efforts.
The Philippines’ achievement of setting a new Guinness World Record for the most pork dishes served not only highlights the country’s culinary prowess but also serves as a platform to raise awareness about the challenges faced by the local hog industry. Through this celebration, the Philippines aims to inspire hog farmers, promote tourism, and encourage higher per capita consumption of pork. It is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Filipino people in overcoming obstacles and achieving remarkable milestones.
Source: The Manila Times
