New law sets P20-B yearly fund for PH animal industry modernization — DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday welcomed the passage of a measure which allocates P20 billion annually in the next 10 years for the modernization of the country’s livestock, poultry, and dairy industries.

In a statement, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the newly enacted Republic Act 12308 or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA), signed by President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on September 25, would support the administration's goal of a food-secure and resilient agricultural economy.

The AIDCA will take effect by mid-October following its publication in the Official Gazette.

"It is fitting that this long-awaited law to develop the livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors will take effect around the time we celebrate World Food Day on October 16," Tiu Laurel said.

"The future development of these sectors will not only enhance food security, but also attract new investments, improve farmer incomes, and generate more jobs," the Agriculture chief added.

The most salient feature of the law is the creation of the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF), an allocation of P20 billion annually from tariffs collected from livestock, poultry, and dairy imports.

Of the P20-billion allocation, 26% will go to repopulation and herd build-up, which will be divided further as follows—70% for the hog sector, 20% for poultry, and 5% each for native and other animals.

The measure also earmarks billions for animal health, climate resilience, and mechanization, particularly P1.2 billion for animal health promotion, P1.8 billion for recovery from biosecurity threats, and P7 billion for modernization of post-harvest infrastructure such as slaughterhouses and cold storage facilities.

The law also prioritizes feed development and access to affordable credit.

The AIDCA, moreover, elevates the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) to a line agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA), expanding its regulatory oversight.

It also strengthens the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) and National Dairy Authority (NDA) by assigning them expanded mandates, including in biotechnology and vaccine development.

The law will likewise help develop local capacity to create vaccines and response protocols for major animal health threats such as African Swine Fever (ASF), Newcastle Disease, and Avian Influenza—reducing dependence on foreign supplies and improving national biosecurity.

"This law is more than a funding mechanism—it is a bold commitment to the people who feed our country," Tiu Laurel said.

"It marks a turning point for Philippine agriculture—one that empowers farmers, protects consumers, and prepares our food systems for the future," he said. — VDV, GMA Integrated News