MANILA— Taiwan is using technology, including GPS tracking for vehicles transporting live pigs, to strengthen animal disease prevention and support consumer confidence in its pork products, an industry official said.
Jennifer Chang, Vice President of the Commerce Development Research Institute (CDRI), said Taiwan requires vehicles carrying live pigs to be equipped with GPS devices, allowing authorities to monitor their movements and trace farms and transport routes during disease investigations.
“Taiwan uses technology to strengthen animal disease prevention. For example, vehicles transporting live pigs are required to be equipped with GPS. This allows authorities to track vehicle movements and trace related farms and transport routes during disease investigations,” Chang said during the sidelines of Taiwan Premium Pork event.
Taiwan Premium Pork 2026 showcased Taiwanese pork products, including fresh and processed food offerings, while providing opportunities for visitors to discover new flavors and connect with industry stakeholders.
Chang also cited the cultural ties between Taiwan and the Philippines as an opportunity to introduce more Taiwanese food products to Filipino consumers, particularly those who have lived in or visited Taiwan.
“Many Filipinos who have spent time in Taiwan remember its friendly people and the food they enjoyed there. When they return to the Philippines, familiar Taiwanese flavors can bring back memories of their time in Taiwan. Food is one way to maintain that connection between our people,” she said.
She said the Philippines presents opportunities for Taiwanese food brands, noting improvements in Manila and Filipinos’ familiarity with Taiwanese cuisine.
“Every time I visit Manila, I see how it continues to improve. I believe it is becoming an even better place to introduce quality international food brands,” Chang said.
She cited Taiwanese sausages and braised minced pork as products that could allow Filipinos to enjoy familiar flavors without traveling to Taiwan.
However, Chang acknowledged that Taiwanese pork is relatively expensive, making partnerships with local businesses important in introducing the products to the Philippine market.
“Through our discussions with Philippine businesses over the past two years, we have found that working with hotels is a good way to showcase its value and distinctive qualities,” she said.
Chang added that cooperation could eventually extend to Taiwanese vegetables and fruits, giving Filipino consumers access to a wider range of agricultural products from Taiwan.
She said CDRI invited chefs from several hotels to taste Taiwanese pork products during the recent exhibition, with the aim of developing partnerships that respond to the needs of the Philippine food service industry.
“Our focus is on cultural exchange and quality, rather than quantity,” Chang said.
According to Chang, Taiwan has exported approximately 450 metric tons of pork to the Philippines, with export volumes remaining limited.
She also said Taiwan respects the Philippine government’s efforts to protect local hog farmers and does not expect Taiwanese pork exports to undermine their livelihoods.
Chang said Taiwan hopes to strengthen business partnerships through food and cultural exchange, allowing Filipino consumers to experience more Taiwanese flavors while maintaining cooperation between the two sides.
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