A Ukrainian trade mission to the Philippines in March 2026 resulted in a diplomatic breakthrough on African swine fever (ASF) cooperation. The review of Ukraine’s application moved from a 2027 queue to the 2026 priority list, and the parties agreed on timelines for a physical audit of production and processing facilities.
The sides also agreed to exchange data on the Philippine vaccination program and its results. The Philippines launched a national ASF vaccination program in 2024 with large scale application, and the Ukrainian side will receive information on implementation and outcomes for practical assessment.
Beyond vaccination, the Philippine approach includes domestic R&D capacity and a structured plan to restore pig populations with strict biosecurity at each level of the production chain. The model focuses on recovery through genetics, breeding and controlled scaling.
For Ukraine, cooperation creates a clearer path toward restoring the pork sector, strengthening export readiness and aligning veterinary safety standards. The agreed audit schedule and data sharing are the first practical steps toward that goal.
