Key Takeaways
- Industry leaders convened at OPFBEX 2026 to discuss the future of the Philippine food ecosystem.
- Key topics included the development of Filipino food brands, innovation in business, and the connection between food and tourism.
- A collaborative commitment was established to enhance the nation’s food security and sustainability efforts.
Forum Highlights and Discussions
The OPFBEX 2026 Food Forward Forum took place on September 19 at the SMX Convention Center, gathering stakeholders from multiple industries including business, tourism, agriculture, and technology. The theme for the event was “Shaping the Future of Food: From Farm to Business to Community,” focusing on critical issues influencing the Philippine food landscape.
The event started with an introduction to the Pampanga Business Circle, followed by welcome remarks and a brief overview of the Food Forward initiative. Discussions prominently featured the importance of cultivating Filipino food brands. Chef Felix Niño Asuncion, along with Pruds S. Garcia and Jun Sy, led a session on “Building Filipino Food Brands for the Future,” highlighting the need for local brands to thrive in broader markets.
Mark Villaflor presented on “Scaling Filipino Businesses: From Local to Bigger Markets,” advocating strategies for local enterprises to expand their reach. Additionally, Dr. Richard Daenos from the Department of Tourism – Region 3 emphasized the significance of innovation and technology in enhancing business competitiveness during his talk on “Innovation, Technology & the Future of Business.”
The intersection of food and tourism was further examined by Arrey Perez, who discussed “Food, Destinations & the Tourism Economy.” This session explored the synergy between culinary offerings and tourist destination development, pointing to opportunities within the food tourism sphere.
Felix Niño Asuncion also addressed agricultural concerns in another session on “Agriculture, Food Security & the Future of Philippine Food,” stressing the importance of strengthening the food supply chain to ensure sustainable practices.
A panel discussion titled “The Entrepreneur’s Role in Building What’s Next” placed entrepreneurs at the forefront of a more innovative, sustainable food industry. The forum culminated in a collaborative dialogue where various stakeholders discussed future trends and challenges, focusing on areas such as food security, sustainability, and investment in the food sector.
The afternoon session concluded with a Q&A segment and a formal commitment from attendees emphasizing the collaborative responsibility of farmers, businesses, government, and communities in advancing a resilient Philippine food ecosystem. Through this shared dedication, the forum aimed to boost the contributions of Filipino food brands in a competitive global market.
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