In two separate news releases, the DA said the measures aim to protect the Philippines’ livestock and poultry industries from potential disease transmission.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. ordered the immediate suspension of imports of commodities derived from animals susceptible to FMD following reports of outbreaks in Germany.

The European nation notified the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) on January 10, confirming FMD cases in domestic buffaloes in Hoppegarten, Brandenburg.

FMD is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects cloven-hoofed livestock, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and buffaloes. The disease can have devastating effects on animal health and production, particularly among young livestock.

In 2024, the Philippines imported 3,177.5 metric tons of beef from Germany, contributing approximately 0.5% of the country’s total beef imports. Germany had also been a key pork supplier until a separate ban was imposed in 2020 due to an outbreak of African Swine Fever.

Memorandum Order No. 08, signed on February 10, 2025, enforces the temporary restriction until Germany regains its FMD-free status as certified by WOAH. The order also suspends the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances.

Certain products, however, remain exempt from the ban, including ultra-high temperature milk, heat-treated meat in hermetically sealed containers, protein meal and gelatin, in vivo-derived bovine embryos, and semi-processed leather products.

Additionally, shipments that were already in transit or at ports before the cut-off date of December 26, 2024, are permitted entry.

Ban on poultry products from Maryland and Missouri

Alongside the FMD-related restrictions, the DA has also imposed a temporary ban on imports of domestic and wild birds, as well as poultry products, from Maryland and Missouri due to multiple outbreaks of H5N1 avian influenza.

“The quick escalation of bird flu cases in the U.S. since its first detection demands a more extensive coverage of trade restrictions to prevent the entry of the virus,” said Secretary Tiu Laurel.

The U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service reported outbreaks on January 23, confirming bird flu cases across 89 flocks in the two states, affecting a total of 13.2 million birds.

Memorandum Order No. 07, signed on February 4, 2025, enforces the suspension of imports, including poultry meat, eggs, day-old chicks, and poultry semen. The DA has also halted the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances for these commodities.

However, exemptions apply to shipments already in transit or those accepted at ports, provided they were slaughtered or produced at least 14 days before the first confirmed outbreak—January 14 for both Maryland and Missouri. Any shipment failing to meet these conditions will either be returned to its country of origin or disposed of.

The DA’s latest restrictions reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding the local agricultural sector from the risks posed by foreign animal diseases. These bans serve as precautionary measures to mitigate potential economic losses and prevent the spread of highly contagious viruses that could impact food security and livestock-dependent industries.

Both import bans will remain in effect until the affected regions regain disease-free certification from international animal health authorities.

From the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturing industry with a 68% global market share and reliable producer of the most advanced semiconductor chips, Taiwan continues to take pride in its technologically advanced innovation.

But more than the dominance in the semiconductor industry in the world, Taiwan showcases its mind-boggling technology including AI with various applications such as medical, mobility, security, logistics, and disaster prevention and management, among others at the 2024 Smart City and Summit Expo (SCSE) in Taipei.

Touted as the biggest Smart City Expo in Asia with over 100,000 delegates from around the world attended by top government officials, innovators, world company executives and buyers who scout for technology that can be sourced from Taiwan that would provide digital solutions to their needs.

Apart from showcasing the technology, Taiwan also bares its ambitious yet laudable roadmap for reducing its carbon footprint through the net zero emissions goal by 2050. It also brandishes Smart City solutions that would promote redefined urban living for the future that would benefit the next generations.

Taiwan’s high-tech and innovative solutions 

During the opening ceremony, Mr. Chia-Lung Lin, Secretary-General to the President, explained the New South Bound Policy, which aligns with the country’s core in the Indo-Pacific strategy. This shows how Taiwan is also dealing with climate change makes Taiwan a reliable partner of other nations.

The New South Bound Policy was also highlighted by Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) Representative, Ambassador Wallace M.G. Chow during the 112th National Day of Taiwan in the Philippines — highlighting the people-to-people exchange and mutual cooperation for both countries. 

Furthermore, the secretary-general also shared that recent Asia Silicon Valley 3.0 will also help other industries towards its net zero goal by encouraging them to adopt a smart city program through a digital transformation. Lin emphasized the need to “integrate services into solutions” while ensuring to “create win-win situations”. This is where relevant public-private collaboration needs to take place. 

Also discussed was the “green finance” especially in the amendments of relevant regulations to provide proper funding and research. Various innovative awards were bestowed to organizations and associations. 

Furthermore, the Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung, Mr. Charles Lin said that “Taiwan is also very strong in software,” making Taiwan’s leverage not only as a smart city but its competitive advantage in the ICT industry. 

What also Taiwan did was to embark on a collaborative program by encouraging private companies to work with the government and other schools and showcase their technology.

Taiwan-PH opportunities for collaboration

On March 19, in an exclusive global press conference, key officials were participated by the following: 

• Mr. Vitezslav Schrek, President of Vysocina Region Czech Republic 
• Mr. Charles Lin, Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung City Government, Taiwan 
• Mr. Jason Chen, Chairman of Taiwan Smart City Solutions Alliance 
• Mr. Marc Elrich, County Executive Montgomery County, Maryland, US 
• Mr. David Golding, Head of Global Innovation Partnerships, Innovative UK 

In an interview with THEPHILBIZNEWS, Deputy Mayor Lin shared that despite its traffic limitations, “Manila, Philippines is getting [its] progress everyday.” 

To have such programs like in Kaohsiung or Taipei moving forward toward establishing a smart city, it is necessary to have more traffic control — “a standard way of technology can be implemented. You have to educate your people. You have to get the help,” said Lin. He also noted having more optimistic and high levels of exchange with both countries. 

“I hope we can have long friendships in terms of the city and the regions,” added Lin. 

On the other hand, Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich expressed how convincing the key players to take a vital role in making an action or a transition. He noted that many youths are worried about climate change, and this tremendous predicament needs to be further reinforced and to keep on pushing ahead. 

“Truth is a powerful weapon, we have to use it more,” Elrich emphasized. 

As Asia’s largest hybrid smart city tradeshow with IoT solutions, Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE) has been offering marketing opportunities — not only as a B2B platform, but as a G2G and G2B network. This includes highlights focusing on: intelligent building, smart education, intelligent transport systems, small startup programs, and the 2050 net zero city expo. 

Other exhibits include AI, technology, 5-network applications, smart healthcare applications, and smart disaster prevention.  This year’s Taiwan’s SCSE will be held at Hall 2, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX 2) from March 19-22, while on March 21-23, the venue will be at the Kaohsiung Exhibition Hall. 

“Featuring “Digital & Green Transformation”, 2024 Smart City Summit and Expo (SCSE) will take place both in Taipei & Kaohsiung from March 19th to 23rd, 2024. The event is expected to bring together 150,000+ visitors and 800+ exhibitors, with 1000+ matchmaking sessions and 80+ forums.” Learn more information about SCSE here.

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