When PhilSAN planned this year's Convention, it was aware that times were hard and difficult. The livestock and feeds industry were not spared from the economic crisis that brought about high interest rates, currency devaluation, soaring accounts receivables and increasing costs of inputs. 

PhilSAN knew and asked, what it can do to help,'thus this year's theme: Feed Concerns: What Can We Do About It. The Industry has always been good to PhilSAN and there was consensus that it is time for PhilSAN to give something back to the industry. 

It is therefore purposive that this year's convention speakers are either Charter or Regular members of PhilSAN. This is a deviation from past conventions where mostly foreign speakers were featured.          

Also in keeping with the Centennial Celebration, this year's convention will highlight some of the best from PhilSAN. 

This year's speakers were chosen for their experience, knowhow and feel of the industry. All are well recognized for their contributions to the feeds and livestock industry. We hope to draw from them insights, ways.-and means to keep us ahead during these difficult times. 

Javier P. Mateo  got his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from the University of Missouri, Columbia; MS and BS from UPLB. Has had 28 years of experience in poultry and swine production as a teacher, researcher and as a business executive. Currently, he is the President of J.V. Agri Corporation, a company involved primarily in feedmilling and broiler contract growing operations. 

Frank A. Ortiz is a co-founder of PhilSAN.  Frank is well recognized in the industry for his pioneering and innovative approach to swine production. A product of Araneta University and with trainings from Minnesota and Texas A&M; currently, President of F.A. Ortiz Farm Systems and F.A. Ortiz Saver Feeds, Inc.- First President of Philippine Swine Research Development Foundation and former Chairman of United Swine Producers Association. Consultant to several large commercial swine farms. 

Mario M. Labadan earned his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition (minor in Animal Physiology) from Cornell University- MS and BS from UPLB. He was Charter President of PhilSAN and currently, Chairman and CEO of Agri Specialist, Inc., a leading and respected company engaged in the manufacture and distribution of nutritional and animal health products. A TOYM awardee, Dr. Labadan is a well known and a respected figure in the feeds and feed's additives business.  

Isaias G. Lumanta, Jr. received his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from Michigan State University, MS from University of Hawaii and BS from UPLB. Currently, AVP and Manager of Technical Services and Quality Assurance Department of San Miguel Foods, Inc. (SMFI), where he also manage the Nutrition Department of the company's Feeds and Poultry Business. Prior to SMFI, he was Nutrition Manager of Agribusiness Division, RFM and was former Head, Animal Nutrition Division, Animal Science Department, UPLB. 

Virginia G. Silverio got her Ph.D. from UPLB; MS from Kansas State University and BS from Araneta Institute of Agriculture. Currently, consultant to various feedmills, swine, poultry and cattle farms throughout the country. Was involved in various projects with the Bureau of Animal Industry from 1956 to 1976. Has attended numerous trainings on feed technology abroad. 

Bernabe C. Paller is currently the General  Manager of  Jonisel Enterprises. Former VP and Technical Manager, URC and former Nutrition Manager of Golden Country Farms. Very much involved in the introduction of commercial duck layer pellets and commercial feeds for finfish and pioneered the use of low volume high density steel fish cages in the country. 

Benito A. Oliveros got his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from University of Nebraska, Lincoln; MS and BS from UPLB. Currently, he is Regional Technical Manager, Animal Nutrition, South Asia, Roche- Assistant Professor, UPLB and former 
Head, Animal Nutrition Division, Animal Science Department, UPLB. 

Placido F. Alcantara received his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from University of Minnesota. Has won a lot of praise and is well respected in the Swine Industry for his numerous research work in Swine Nutrition and Production. 

Edwin S. Luis earned his Ph.D. in Animal Nutrition from University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Currently, Associate Professor and Head, Animal Nutrition Division, Department of Animal Science, UPLB. Often cited and well known in the Poultry Industry for his considerable research work in Poultry Nutrition and Production. A much sought after academic adviser, Dr. Luis is a consultant to many farms and feedmilis in the country. 
Patricio S. Faylon