Senate approves livestock dev't bill

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a proposed measure that would bolster the growth and enhance the productivity of the country’s livestock, poultry and dairy (LPD) industry.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

Senate Bill 2558, otherwise known as an Act Strengthening Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Industry Development and Competitiveness, Rationalizing the Organization and Functions of Relevant Government Agencies, And Creating a Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, was unanimously approved last Monday.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, principal author and sponsor of the bill, said the industry plays a vital role in ensuring food security and accounts for more than a quarter of the agricultural sector output. It also stimulates economic growth, especially in rural areas, by providing livelihood opportunities to more than 2.8 million livestock and poultry farmers.

“With our country’s growing population and increasing demand for food, we cannot allow this situation to continue. Through SB 2558, we will set a clear and strategic direction for the LPD industry, strengthen the organizational structure and institutional capacity of relevant agencies, and ensure that adequate resources are provided to support the growth and competitiveness of the industry,” Villar said.

“Pork and chicken are the integral components of the Filipino diet, helping ensure a balance intake of nutrients. It is estimated that 52 percent of our protein consumption comes from pork and chicken and this is projected to grow even higher to 58 percent in 2030. Thus, high meat prices could lead to protein deficiency and contribute to malnutrition,” Villar said in her sponsorship speech.

She said disease outbreaks such as the African swine fever had adversely affected pork supply in the country since 2019. The Philippines also relied on imported poultry to address the shortfall of chicken products and increasing demand.