News Details

DA Celebrates Livestock and Poultry Month, Showcases Major Gains and ?20-B Boost Under New Animal Industry Law

NPO

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October 17, 2025

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) kicked off the National Livestock and Poultry Month 2025 with optimism and pride, celebrating major milestones in the country’s animal industry — highlighted by the passage of the landmark Republic Act 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA), signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. last September 25, 2025.

Leading the celebration held on October 13, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante J. Palabrica underscored the theme “Panagdur-as: Makabagong Kasanayan, Lakas ng Paghahayupan para sa Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” which captures the collective goal of achieving sustainable growth through modern knowledge, unity, and innovation in livestock and poultry production.

“Naniniwala ako na ang pinakamahalagang puhunan natin ay mga tao — ang ating mga magsasaka, manggagawa, at eksperto sa industriya,” said Usec. Palabrica. “Sa tulong ng makabagong kasanayan at sama-samang pagkilos, makakamit natin ang Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”

₱20-B Annual Fund for Livestock Competitiveness

AIDCA, set to take effect this month, establishes the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF) — a ₱20-billion annual allocation sourced from tariffs on imported animal products for the next 10 years.

The fund will finance key DA programs such as:

• Repopulation and herd build-up for carabao and dairy
• Animal health and disease control measures
• Establishment and maintenance of processing facilities
• Food safety and extension support services
• Animal feed development, marketing, R&D, and farmer accreditation

Any tariffs collected beyond ₱20 billion will serve as direct financial support for livestock and poultry raisers, providing a safety net for smallholders and cooperatives nationwide.

“This is not just about funding—it’s about investing in people and progress,” Palabrica emphasized.

New Imports and Institutional Reforms

The DA announced that high-quality pigs from the United States and other breeder animals will soon arrive to strengthen local genetics, improve production, and ensure food security.

The law also triggers the reorganization of DA livestock offices to streamline government services, ensuring faster, more efficient delivery of programs and technical assistance to industry stakeholders.

“Under the leadership of President Marcos, we are strengthening the livestock industry—our foundation for nutritious food, livelihood, and national food security,” Palabrica said.

Unity for Modernization and Rural Growth

Representing DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr., Undersecretary for Operations Engr. Roger V. Navarro expressed full support for the celebration and reaffirmed DA’s vision of a “modernized, resilient, and reliable animal industry.”

“Progress in livestock is not just about technology or production,” Navarro noted. “It’s about people, families, and communities growing stronger through shared dedication.”

A ceremonial pledge led by DA-National Livestock Program (NLP) Director Dr. Claro N. Mingala sealed the agency’s commitment to uniting stakeholders under a common vision of innovation and inclusivity in the livestock sector.

Honoring Excellence in Livestock and Poultry

To commemorate the celebration, a photo exhibition was launched at the DA Central Office in Quezon City, featuring the Gawad Saka national awardees in livestock categories:

• Reymon R. Abara – Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser
• Edy A. Allado – Outstanding Dairy Carabao Raiser (Family Module)
• Gemma E. Chavez – Outstanding Large Animal Raiser (Integrated Farming System)
• Rey C. Duldulao – Outstanding Small Animal Raiser (Integrated Farming System)
• Sta. Cruz Multipurpose Cooperative – Outstanding Goat Raiser
• Unified Engineering Workers’ Multipurpose Cooperative – Outstanding Dairy Cattle Raiser

Also featured were inspiring stories from Basay Veterans Multipurpose Cooperative (LEED Program) and Bikolanas Agriculture Cooperative (INSPIRE Program) — both representing successful community-driven livestock enterprises that uplift local livelihoods.

The National Livestock and Poultry Month, established under Special Order No. 411, s. 2021, is celebrated every October in honor of the World Day for Farmed Animals (October 2). The event is spearheaded by the DA Livestock Group, which includes the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National Dairy Authority (NDA), National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), Philippine Carabao Center (PCC), and International Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH).

Together, they continue to push forward the country’s livestock sector — fueling food security, livelihood creation, and a truly “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas.”

NPO News Team | DA-AFID-PR
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