This October, the Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists (PHILSAN) will host its 39th Convention, an annual gathering that advances animal nutrition and strengthens Philippine agriculture.
“The PHILSAN Convention brings animal nutritionists, agriculturists, and producers together to adopt advanced feed technologies that safeguard the national food supply,” Convention Chairman Jerico Rod Calibo told porciNews Asia.
Jerico Rod Calibo (Photo credit: PHILSAN)
By linking local expertise with international insights, the convention introduces innovations, shares market perspectives, and establishes professional standards that guide the industry toward a more competitive and resilient future.
From seminar to scientific hub
The convention traces its roots to 1988, when PHILSAN organized its first seminar. What began as a modest local gathering has since grown into a major scientific hub that attracts world-renowned experts and researchers.
A panel discussion at the 38th PHILSAN Convention 2025 (Photo credit: PHILSAN)
“We expanded from a basic local seminar into a scientific hub that now hosts world-renowned experts and researchers,” Mr Calibo explained.
Over time, its scope broadened beyond swine, poultry, and ruminant nutrition to include specialty feeds and companion animal nutrition—reflecting PHILSAN’s commitment to addressing the diverse needs of the industry.
Setting direction for the industry
Beyond knowledge-sharing, the convention sets priorities for the sector and celebrates excellence through the annual PHILSAN Outstanding Animal Nutritionist Award.
By connecting local practitioners with global companies, it ensures that Philippine agriculture remains aligned with international developments while addressing local realities. This dual role—recognizing achievement and guiding direction—has made the convention a cornerstone of professional growth.
Themes of sustainability and resilience
Recent conventions have emphasized sustainability, efficiency, and resilience. Discussions have highlighted alternative raw materials, climate adaptation, and precision feed formulation—helping farms lower carbon footprints, reduce waste, and achieve long-term viability.
“The emphasis on resilience is about guiding farms toward practices that balance productivity with environmental responsibility,” Mr Calibo noted.
By tackling supply chain volatility and environmental impact, PHILSAN underscores its commitment to keeping the convention relevant to both industry and society.
Breakthroughs that reshaped the field
The convention has also been a platform for breakthroughs. One of its most notable achievements was the legitimization of Companion Animal Nutrition, elevating pet and companion animal health from an overlooked topic to a recognized discipline within Philippine agriculture.
Through collaboration with the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), PHILSAN institutionalized animal nutrition and created formal regulatory frameworks. This move raised the professional standing of nutritionists nationwide and expanded the scope of the convention’s influence.
Turning discussions into practice
PHILSAN ensures that convention insights translate into practical improvements. Nutritionists apply research-backed feeding strategies, gut-health protocols, and raw material solutions directly to farm operations.
Continuous learning is also prioritized through regular technical meetings, youth career orientations, and collaboration with public sector projects. These efforts ensure that national agricultural policies are grounded in sound nutritional science.
The convention gathers animal nutritionists, agriculturists, and producers together
to adopt advanced feed technologies that safeguard the national food supply (Photo credit: PHILSAN)
Professional development and accreditation
Accredited by the Philippine Regulatory Commission, PHILSAN became the pioneer organization to offer continuing professional development (CPD) units in Companion Animal Nutrition for Registered Agriculturists.
This accreditation underscores its role in professionalizing animal nutrition and ensuring that practitioners remain updated with the latest scientific and industry developments.
Fueling progress
This year’s convention, to be held on October 6, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Okada Manila in Pasay City, continues the tradition of aligning science, industry, and sustainability.
The theme, ‘Fueling Progress: Shaping Animal Nutrition for a Competitive and Sustainable Future’, will guide discussions on innovation, resilience, and collaboration.
Looking ahead, Mr Calibo emphasized: “Our goal is to shape animal nutrition in ways that make Philippine agriculture globally competitive while remaining sustainable for generations to come.”
Participants will have the chance to elevate their knowledge, connect with industry leaders, and strengthen their competence to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
To register, visit here.