Dr Sheila Rose Gatchalian
The Veterinary Feed Congress 2026 unites veterinarians, regulators, and industry leaders, underscoring feed safety as vital to food security.
Building on a successful inaugural event last year, the Philippine College of Veterinary Feed Practice Inc (PCVFP) will host the second Veterinary Feed Congress (VFC) on July 8, 2026, at Novotel Manila. The congress seeks to deepen collaboration across the feed and veterinary sectors while spotlighting innovation, sustainability, and food safety.
Dr Sheila Rose Gatchalian, VFC event chair, described the congress as a national platform for collaboration, innovation, and excellence. She emphasized that feed practice has cross‑cutting relevance, serving as a unifying driver across the animal industry. By gathering veterinarians, nutritionists, regulators, academicians, and industry leaders, the congress fosters dialogue that goes beyond routine seminars.
Dr Sheila Rose Gatchalian
PCVFP President Dr Sharon Castro explained that the VFC was conceived to fill a gap in the industry. While webinars and small gatherings existed, there was no large forum dedicated to feed practice. VFC was designed to provide that space, enabling stakeholders to discuss policies, launch ideas, and explore sustainable practices.
Dr Sharon Castro
This year’s congress will welcome 200 participants, a notable increase from 2025. The move to a larger venue reflects PCVFP’s commitment to expanding its reach and strengthening its brand. Dr Gatchalian noted that the congress highlights the importance of linking with industry partners to provide better service to the feed sector.
The event will also feature two editions: the on‑site congress in July and an online version scheduled for November 25, 2026. The virtual session aims to extend participation to a wider audience, ensuring that updates and discussions reach professionals across the country and beyond.
The program will showcase breakthroughs in feedmilling, storage technology, and precision nutrition. Sustainability remains central, with sessions addressing climate change, pollution, poverty, and food insecurity. A key highlight will be the discussion of Republic Act (RA) 12308, the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, which introduces new guidelines for licensing establishments and registering veterinary drugs and biologics.
Another milestone at VFC 2026 will be the official launch of the updated Philippine Compendium on Feed and Veterinary Drug Laws. The new edition brings together regulations relevant to feed practice and veterinary drug use. Dr Castro noted that unveiling the compendium during the congress is timely, aligning with the passage of RA 12308 and giving stakeholders a comprehensive reference for current policies.
The congress will deliver practical benefits for producers, veterinarians, and feed manufacturers. Through knowledge sharing and meaningful discussions, participants will gain insights into antimicrobial resistance, sustainable nutrition, and regulatory updates. Dr Gatchalian stressed that feed safety directly translates to food safety, underscoring its importance for consumers.
Dr Castro highlighted the congress as an opportunity for professionals to learn, connect, and collaborate. Attendees will be able to ask questions, share experiences, and build networks that strengthen the industry. For speakers, the congress provides a platform to cascade new knowledge and innovations to a wider audience.
The organizers hope the congress will create lasting impacts not only in the Philippines but internationally. With global sponsors and cross‑disciplinary experts, the event aims to bring solutions from abroad into local practice. Dr Gatchalian explained that international collaboration can help reduce blind spots and accelerate advances in feed practice.
Dr Castro said VFC’s theme this year is ‘Synergy in Practice: Feed as a Keystone of Veterinary Specialties and Sustainable Innovation’. This places feed at the center of veterinary specialties and sustainable innovation. By recognizing feed as a keystone of animal production and food safety, the congress seeks to raise awareness and drive progress across the sector.
Visit PCVFP’s Facebook page for more information.
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