When you listen to the story behind Mekeni Food Corporation president Pruds Garcia, it does not feel like a typical business narrative. It reads more like a story about people — about families who had to leave, quiet sacrifices, and a longing that never truly fades.

True to his name, Garcia embodies the values of P.R.U.D.S.: purpose, resiliency, uplifting others, discipline, and stewardship.

For many Filipinos, working abroad has never been just about ambition. It has always been about responsibility. Parents leave so their children can stay in school. Families are sustained from a distance. Their decision is anchored on two things: survival and hope — survival in enduring homesickness to provide, and hope in the promise of one day embracing loved ones again.

In an exclusive interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Garcia shared that Mekeni continues to create opportunities not only for employees, but also for vendors who support their own families through the business.

This reality has shaped not just livelihoods, but generations of consumers.

This writer remembers being an ordinary student, enjoying Mekeni tocino before school. Years later, meeting one of the pioneers of the Philippine food industry feels like a reminder that life often comes full circle, and that sometimes, the unexpected tells the best stories.

Garcia recalls how their journey began from the ground up after the 1991 Pinatubo eruption. He returned to the Philippines after a call from his father to help run the family business. It was not an easy choice, but driven by love for family and a sense of stewardship, he took the risk.

Over time, Mekeni found a deeper purpose. What they built was not just a food brand, but something that reconnects people to where they came from.

“We want to bring back the memories back home, because we realize people who are working abroad do not [always] have the chance to go home.”

That intention became real in a chance encounter. Garcia once met a Filipino in the United States buying Mekeni’s fish balls and kikiam.

It was a simple moment, but meaningful. The man shared how the products had been part of his early struggles in the Philippines: “I want to tell the story to my family, and now they are also benefiting [from the fruits of the struggles], and they have a good life in the United States.”

Stories like this reinforced a deeper truth. Garcia even handed his business card to the man and encouraged him to learn more about the company’s journey, emphasizing that, “when they see the product from the Philippines to create memories, this is not by accident.”

Through something as simple as food, fragments of home are restored. A meal becomes a memory. A familiar taste brings back stories long untold. Even from across the world, people remain connected.

This perspective also shapes Garcia’s leadership. For him, resilience is learned and lived.

He shared another deeply personal story: After 23 years, they were blessed with a daughter, Faith.

She became a reminder to never give up, to keep believing even when the odds seem impossible. That same belief continues to guide how decisions are made and how the company moves forward.

Even in uncertain times, the focus is not just survival, but purpose: building a community that grows with impact. More than four decades of commitment to food safety and quality have positioned Mekeni as a pillar of the Philippine food manufacturing industry, bringing staple products across the country and to Filipinos worldwide.

Looking ahead, the company is eyeing expansion into Taiwan and Hong Kong to serve overseas Filipino workers.

In the end, Mekeni’s story reminds us that home is not always a place we can return to.

Sometimes, it is something we carry, with every shared meal, every memory, and every intention shaped by care.

And in its #TimplangAtin, that sense of home endures — even from miles away.

The newly opened two-kilometer Segment 3B completes the Cavitex C5 Link and is projected to serve around 36,000 vehicles daily, improving the flow of goods and commuters between Parañaque and Taguig while easing congestion during peak travel periods.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. led the opening on Monday, underscoring the project’s role in cushioning the impact of volatile fuel prices and supporting the government’s economic response under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) program.

“Kagaya ng ating mga laging iniisip ngayon dahil nga sa kaguluhan sa Middle East, ay napakalaking savings ito sa gasolina, sa krudo, sa fuel. At hindi maliit na bagay ang babawasan ang biyahe mo mula sa isang oras at kalahati hanggang 15 minutes. Malaking savings ‘yan,” the President said.

“Ito ay kasama sa ating utos na nanggaling sa UPLIFT na ating ginagawa na buksan ang lahat ng mga daan upang maging mas maginhawa ang pagbiyahe ng ating mga traveling public,” the Chief Executive added.

The President also inspected the new segment alongside Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon and Department of Transportation (DOTr) Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

To further support motorists during the Holy Week travel surge, toll fees for Segment 3B will be waived from March 30 to April 30, 2026.

“Para naman ay mapagbigyan ang ating kababayan na dumadaan dito, lalong-lalo na ngayon, Holy Week na ngayon, at maraming bumabiyahe. Kaya ito ay patuloy naming ginagawa at bubuksan natin,” the President said.

Beyond faster travel, the new link is expected to reduce fuel consumption, cut logistics costs, and enhance connectivity for motorists coming from Cavite into key commercial and residential hubs in Metro Manila, providing a boost to economic activity in Southern Metro Manila and nearby growth corridors.

Meanwhile, DPWH Secretary Dizon said additional mobility projects are in the pipeline, including the opening of the Central Luzon Link Expressway (CLLEX) connecting Tarlac City and Cabanatuan City.

With the completion of Segment 3B, the Cavitex C5 Link is poised to play a critical role in improving urban mobility while helping Filipinos navigate the economic pressures of rising fuel costs.

According to a news release, of 67 leading restaurant brands evaluated — representing the vast majority of the Philippines’ dining landscape — 47 chains operating 11,277 locations have pledged to fully transition to cage-free eggs.

This represents 78% of all chain restaurant locations nationwide — the highest concentration in Asia. This total includes brands that have already completed their transition, such as Nanyang and Peri-Peri, along with many of the industry’s biggest names, which have set timelines to implement 100% cage-free sourcing in the years ahead.

Filipino favorites, including Jollibee, Max’s, Chowking, Mang Inasal, Red Ribbon, Greenwich, and Shakey’s have made pledges, alongside international giants such as KFC, Dunkin’, Pizza Hut, Subway, and Burger King.

“The Philippines restaurant industry has demonstrated remarkable leadership in adopting cage-free egg policies,” said Robyn Del Rosario, Sustainability Program Lead at Lever Foundation, an international NGO that collaborated with all of the domestic restaurant groups and a number of the international groups in developing their policies.

“With 70% of major restaurant brands — representing 78% of chain restaurant locations across the country — already committed to cage-free egg sourcing, we’re witnessing the sector’s recognition that animal welfare, food safety, and sustainability are essential business priorities,” Del Rosario added.

The shift to cage-free eggs addresses both animal welfare and food quality. Cage-free systems allow hens to move freely and engage in natural behaviors such as nesting, perching, dust-bathing, and short flights in indoor barn environments — behaviors completely restricted in conventional battery cage systems where hens spend their entire lives in spaces smaller than a sheet of paper.

Dozens of peer-reviewed scientific studies have documented that hens raised outside cages produce eggs with improved food safety profiles, higher nutritional value, and better quality metrics. The Philippine government recognized this shift in 2020 when the Bureau of Agriculture and Fisheries Standards developed comprehensive animal welfare guidelines for cage-free eggs. Meanwhile, an increasing number of consumers are opting for plant-based alternatives, choosing to leave eggs off their plates entirely as the best way to support hen welfare.

The momentum in the country’s restaurant sector accelerated significantly over the past year, with three major restaurant groups setting cage-free egg policies for a combined 2,140 locations. These groups are 333 Foods (operating BreadTalk, Nanyang, and Banana Leaf), Max’s Group (operating Pancake House and Yellow Cab), and Century Pacific Food Inc. (operating Shakey’s, Potato Corner, and Peri-Peri).

Only 20 of the leading chain restaurant brands in the country still serve caged eggs to their customers, with no timeline for shifting to cage-free. These include Goldilocks (which publicly pledged to set a cage-free egg policy by the end of 2025, but failed to do so), Army Navy, Wildflour, Nono’s, Italianni’s, McDonalds, and Starbucks.

The 2025 Philippines Restaurant Industry Cage-Free Egg Scorecard evaluates companies on a four-tier scale: A (100% cage-free egg implementation achieved in the Philippines), B (global cage-free egg commitment and timeline), C (Philippines-specific cage-free egg commitment and timeline), and F (no cage-free egg policy in the Philippines).

“The transformation we’re seeing is remarkable, and we’re eager to collaborate with the remaining companies and share the learnings from industry leaders who’ve already made successful commitments,” said Del Rosario.

“The path forward is clear, and we’re confident more brands will catch up with this industry-wide shift in the year ahead. Cage-free sourcing is not just a more ethical choice—it’s becoming the baseline expectation from consumers and the competitive standard in the Philippines,” added Del Rosario.

The project, Harnessing the Water-Energy-Food Nexus to Address and Adapt to Climate Change Impacts in Tawi-Tawi, will increase the adaptive capacity of the municipalities of Sibutu and Sitangkai by deploying resilient water supply systems integrated with renewable energy infrastructure.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it will also build local capacity for sustainable water management, strengthen livelihoods, and scale up knowledge management across the Philippines.

Spearheaded by the DENR with support from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the project addresses key climate risks to Tawi-Tawi’s water management sector.

“This project is fully aligned with our National Adaptation Plan, which emphasizes securing food supply while nurturing our natural resources and sustaining livelihoods as core strategies in our fight against climate change,” Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said.

Loyzaga highlighted the project’s focus on the water-energy-food nexus. “By enhancing water security, we are not only safeguarding the livelihoods of our seaweed farmers but also reinforcing the economic foundations of communities affected by climate change,” she said.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto, whose department represents developing nations on the AF Board, called the project a milestone. “This is not only the country’s first access to the Adaptation Fund. It is an assertion of our promise that no Filipino will be left behind in our pursuit of climate resilience and sustainable development,” he said.

“By placing communities like Tawi-Tawi at the forefront of global climate financing, we are doubling down on our commitment to uplift the lives of every Filipino, especially those most at risk,” he added.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Order (MO) 11, directing the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to suspend the processing and issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for domestic and wild birds, poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from the affected states.

This action follows a report from the deputy administrator and chief veterinary officer of the US Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which on February 3 confirmed several outbreaks of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza in Illinois, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

However, MO 11 permits the entry of shipments that were already in transit, loaded, and accepted at port, provided the products were slaughtered or produced 14 days before the first outbreaks occurred: November 14 in Illinois, November 26 in Minnesota, December 10 in Wisconsin, and December 13 in Ohio.

A previous ban imposed on Minnesota was just lifted in November while the temporary ban on Ohio was lifted in June. 

“We have blacklisted more companies in the past six months than in the past six years combined. This should serve as a clear warning to those who attempt to challenge our resolve in going after smugglers and unscrupulous traders whose illegal activities harm our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” said Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a news release.

The companies blacklisted for importing vegetables, fruits, and other food products without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from BPI include LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., Betron Consumer Goods Trading, RCNN Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading. Of these, Kysse Lishh, RCNN, Chastity Consumer Goods Trading, and Golden Rays are not licensed importers.

Meanwhile, companies found to be involved in anti-competitive practices, such as price manipulation and collusion, have also been blacklisted. These include La Reina Fresh Vegetables Young Indoor Plants Inc., Vegefru Producing Store, and Yom Trading Corp., all of which were licensed importers.

The blacklisting is part of DA’s intensified efforts to combat agricultural smuggling, profiteering, hoarding, and cartel activities that drive up food prices and destabilize the local market.

BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban said that the licenses of the blacklisted firms have been revoked, and those without licenses were banned based on derogatory findings by the bureau.

Secretary Tiu Laurel further emphasized that with the recent passage of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, government is prepared to take more decisive actions against violators.

The DA’s aggressive actions signal a renewed commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector from illegal practices that undermine the livelihood of local farmers and consumer welfare.

Secretary Tiu Laurel stressed that government will continue to hold violators accountable and take further measures to ensure the integrity of the country’s agricultural trade system.

In a statement, Denys Mykhailiuk, Chargé d’Affaires ad interim of the Embassy of Ukraine in Malaysia, said the initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in November 2022 has provided 286,000 tons of food, including wheat, flour, and vegetable oil, to 12 countries in Africa and Asia in less than a year.

“For the Philippines, this program holds significant importance. Supporting Ukraine’s agricultural sector not only guarantees access to high-quality products but also reinforces a vital source of food supply for the region,” said Mykhailiuk.

Before the war, Ukraine was a leading global food producer, supplying agricultural products to 400 million people annually. It accounted for 47% of the world’s sunflower oil production, 17% of barley, 14% of corn, and 10% of wheat, the Ukrainian diplomat said.

These commodities are essential to the Philippines, where bread, noodles, and other wheat-based products are dietary staples, he said.

“Food security is a global concern, and disruptions to Ukraine’s food supply chains have placed millions at risk, including Filipinos,” said Mykhailiuk.

He said the choice to support “Grain from Ukraine” is a choice to invest in a stable, secure, and food-sufficient world—a cause that the Philippines cannot afford to overlook.

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, disruptions to Ukrainian agricultural exports have intensified the global food crisis. Targeted strikes on ports, maritime blockades, and the destruction of over 300,000 tons of grain by October 2023 have left millions at risk of hunger. The World Food Program estimates that 345 million people worldwide face food insecurity, with 70 million directly impacted by the disruption of Ukraine’s food supply chains.

As the global food crisis deepens, Ukraine’s “Grain from Ukraine” initiative has emerged as a vital lifeline for nations grappling with food insecurity.

Mykhailiuk said that for a country heavily reliant on imported agricultural products, the Philippines’ support of this initiative is also a humanitarian act and a strategic move to safeguard national food security and strengthen global solidarity.

In Asia, where Ukrainian grains have long been integral to diets and food systems, the impact of the war in Ukraine has been particularly severe.

The Philippines, a net importer of wheat and other grains, has felt the ripple effects of this crisis in higher prices and reduced availability of staple foods.

Participating in “Grain from Ukraine,” the Philippines also strengthens regional and global partnerships.

Mykhailiuk said the initiative is an inspiring example of resilience in the face of war and a stand against war-induced hunger and instability. He said it aligns with the Philippines’ advocacy for peace and shared responsibility in global challenges.

As Ukraine calls for more global partners to join its fight against hunger, the Philippines has an opportunity to take a leading role in Asia.

“Together, we can ensure that no Filipino—or anyone around the world—suffers from hunger caused by war. By standing with Ukraine and supporting its farmers, nations take a crucial step toward creating a resilient and food-secure future,” Mykhailiuk added.

Hosting an exclusive event at the Official Residence of the Ambassador, the Embassy offered a select group of industry leaders—importers, gastronomes, and hoteliers—a firsthand taste of Argentina’s premium export.

His Excellency Ricardo Bocalandro, Ambassador of Argentina in the Philippines, warmly welcomed guests, sharing the secrets behind what makes Argentine beef an unmatched global contender.

“Argentine beef is distinguished by its premium quality, coming from cattle—mostly Angus—raised in open pastures, in a natural, sustainable environment. This ensures the highest standards in both taste and nutrition,” Bocalandro said.

The event, supported by the Argentine Beef Promotion Institute (IPCVA), highlighted not just the beef’s flavor profile but also its growing presence in the global market.

Argentina’s cattle, raised on the vast, fertile plains known as the Pampas, benefit from a perfect synergy of climate, soil quality, and sustainable practices.

This unique environment imbues the meat with exceptional organoleptic properties—a tender, flavorful profile that pairs beautifully with its health benefits, including lower intramuscular fat and cholesterol levels.

The numbers tell a compelling story. In the first nine months of 2024, Argentina exported nearly 700,000 metric tons of beef, achieving a 57-year high.

The Philippines is becoming a promising market for Argentine beef, with eight establishments already accredited to export to the country and more on the way through a comprehensive accreditation process.

“This is a market with tremendous potential, and we are excited to expand our presence here,” Ambassador Bocalandro said.

The tasting event provided local stakeholders a chance to explore Argentine beef’s unique characteristics and potential as a premium offering in the Philippines’ flourishing food scene.

The evening was not only a celebration of beef but also a testament to Argentina’s commitment to quality and sustainability in production.

As the world continues to embrace healthier and ethically produced food, Argentine beef remains at the forefront of the industry, delighting palates and driving business opportunities globally.

For those eager to learn more about this exceptional product, visit www.argentinebeef.org.ar.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel De Mesa announced the upcoming milestone, noting that the DA is close to finalizing a $1 billion foreign-assisted project with the World Bank.

In line with these efforts, the DA, in collaboration with the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and Planters Products Inc., officially launched the Agri-Puhunan at Pantawid (APP) Programin Guimba, Nueva Ecija, on Monday.

The APP program seeks to revolutionize the agriculture sector by providing rice farmers with financial and input support to enhance productivity and sustainability. Under the program, farmers will receive P28,000 in input credits per hectare and P32,000 in financial assistance, payable over four months at a low-interest rate of 2 percent.

Key partners in the program include the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), which will manage loans through Intervention Monitoring Cards; Planters Products, which will ensure access to affordable fertilizers and farm inputs; Philippine Crop Insurance Corp., which continues to offer insurance coverage for farmer-beneficiaries; and the National Irrigation Administration, which coordinates  water releases to align with climate-resilient cropping schedules.

The National Food Authority (NFA) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will act as ready buyers of farmers’ harvests, with surplus sales to private traders helping farmers repay their loans.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., through DA Undersecretary Asis Perez, highlighted the program’s transformative potential during the inauguration. “This program addresses long-standing challenges in the agriculture sector—from access to affordable capital to climate resilience and guaranteed market access. It is a movement toward sustainable development,” said Tiu Laurel.

The APP initiative also supports the shift in the rice cropping calendar to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensures that farmer-members of agricultural cooperatives across 1.2 million hectares benefit from affordable credit, crop insurance, and higher yields.

Once fully implemented, the program is expected to contribute significantly to food security, raise farmer incomes, and empower rural communities.

This dual-pronged approach of securing foreign financing and launching farmer-centered initiatives underscores the DA’s commitment to transforming Philippine agriculture into a sustainable and resilient sector.

The Italian Chamber of Commerce Philippines (ICCPI) brought an early taste of Christmas to Manila on November 9 with a vibrant culinary showcase at FURNItalia in BGC, Taguig City.

Over 300 guests, including ICCPI members, C-level executives, celebrities, and other stakeholders, gathered to experience the flavors of Italy.

With every bite of focaccia, sip of wine, and taste of gelato, guests indulged in an authentic Italian experience, embracing a season of warmth, camaraderie, and joy.

This celebration highlighted Italy’s gastro diplomacy and showcased some of Italy’s finest offerings—from artisanal furniture to golden olive oils.

Featured exhibitors included:

• Bialetti
• The Wine Club
• Blu Coffee
• Silver Secrets Inc.
• AM Group
• Kevin Ong Patisserie
• Italian Bakery
• Esclusivo Inc.

With Italian hospitality at its heart, the event captured “la dolce vita” in Manila, inviting everyone to celebrate Italy’s festive spirit in a new home away from home.