MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is conducting a comprehensive review of the regulations governing the transport of livestock, particularly chickens and hogs, to address ongoing supply challenges exacerbated by lingering animal health issues.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said a review of existing regulations would be carried out in consultation with industry groups, particularly the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc.
“This extensive review of regulations, including DA Administrative Order (AO) No. 5, series of 2019, aims to ease supply bottlenecks for chicken and pork without compromising food safety. It will also help manage expected demand spikes during the holiday season,” Tiu Laurel said in a news release on Wednesday.
DA Administrative Order 5, issued in 2019, sets guidelines for the local transport of animals, animal products, and by-products to protect public health and combat animal health threats.
The regulations impose strict timelines for obtaining transport permits and set special requirements for specific animals and products.
The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is also reviewing DA Administrative Circular 2, series of 2022, which modified the National Zoning and Movement Plan to control African swine fever (ASF). ASF has devastated the hog industry since its outbreak in 2019.
In collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, the DA is working to make ASF vaccines commercially available in the Philippines.
“We aim to streamline these processes and update safety measures to ensure stable supply and reasonable prices for pork, poultry, and other products while safeguarding both public health and the livestock industry,” Tiu Laurel said.
The review is part of the DA’s 10-point agenda to balance development and regulation.
The department is also considering a multi-billion-peso investment to improve quarantine facilities, enhance monitoring and inspection capabilities, and establish regional laboratories. (PR)