Davao city: The Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) announced that a Japanese company is exploring the possibility of importing dressed chickens from the Philippines, potentially opening a new market for local poultry producers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marie Ann Constantino, the DA-11 regional technical director for operations, revealed that Takeshi Nagano, president of Maruyu Co., Ltd., expressed interest in importing Philippine dressed chickens during the business matching session of Invest Davao: Kadayawan Global Connect 2025. To initiate the importation process, a certification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is required, confirming that the country is free from Avian influenza (AI).

Constantino emphasized that the WOAH certification is issued on a 'per country basis' and not 'per island basis.' She assured that the department would coordinate with relevant government offices to address the company's concerns. As a global organization, WOAH is dedicated to improving animal health and welfare worldwide, setting standards for international trade in poultry and poultry products, promoting animal welfare, and disseminating information on animal diseases, including avian influenza.

Currently, Ana's Breeders Farms Inc. in Davao has not yet secured Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) certification, which is necessary for exporting dressed chickens to Japan once the market is open. Nagano expressed the intention to import dressed chicken from Jonathan Suy of Ana's Breeders Farm, Inc., located in Toril, Davao City. Although the Japanese market is not yet officially open, initial negotiations between Nagano and Suy have commenced.

Constantino has committed to assisting with the negotiations and suggested seeking support from the Mindanao Development Authority to enhance the prospects of marketing Philippine products in Japan. Meanwhile, Alexander Sibuan, agriculturist II of DA-11, noted that the AI threat in previous years hindered past importation possibilities. However, as Mindanao remains AI-free, the agency will explore market opportunities for dressed chicken. Sibuan mentioned that coordination with the Bureau of Animal Industry would be necessary, as it is the competent authority to liaise with WOAH regarding importation feasibility.