For its 2nd quarter regular meeting on May 20, 2026, the National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock (NSC-PL) adopted key resolutions to protect the local livestock and poultry industry, strengthen animal disease control, expand veterinary services, and increase support for rabies prevention.
Presided over by NSC-PL Chairperson Arnulfo Frontuna, the meeting gathered over 65 representatives from government agencies, industry groups, and research institutions to address pressing concerns, including African Swine Fever (ASF), Avian Influenza, Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD), and rabies.
The Committee expressed concern over plans to lower tariffs on pork and chicken imports under the ongoing Philippines鈥揈uropean Union Free Trade Agreement (PH-EU FTA) negotiations, citing possible risks to the recovery and competitiveness of the local livestock and poultry industry. In response, it adopted a resolution urging the Department of Agriculture (DA) to oppose any further tariff reduction proposals.
The Committee also proposed increasing the Bureau of Animal Industry鈥檚 (BAI) 2027 budget for rabies vaccine procurement to ensure adequate coverage, sustain nationwide rabies control efforts, and meet growing immunization needs to protect animal and public health.
In support of this initiative, the committee is proposing a Php 160 million allocation for the procurement of rabies vaccines and anesthetic drugs for distribution to LGUs.
To strengthen local animal health services, the Committee also recommended that the DA and DILG encourage Local Government Units (LGUs), particularly first-class municipalities, to designate or appoint licensed veterinarians in accordance with existing laws and issuances governing veterinary services and animal health management.
Likewise, the DILG is recommended to encourage Local Government Units (LGUs) to conduct animal population surveys to support effective planning and implementation of local and national vaccination, disease prevention, and animal health programs.
Chairperson Frontuna also urged the Department Legislative Liaison Office (DLLO) to facilitate the participation of private sector representatives in congressional deliberations on key livestock and poultry measures to ensure meaningful stakeholder input and informed policy formulation.| Jane Bri帽a
