The proposed Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act--which is just a President Marcos signature away from becoming a law--is envisioned as a "game-changer" for Filipinos in terms of food affordability.
Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who on Sunday, June 8 hailed the final ratification of the Bicameral Conference Committee Report on the measure.
“This measure brings us closer to what every Filipino family deserves: affordable, safe food on the table and meaningful livelihood for those who feed the nation. We are responding directly to the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize food security and rural development,” Romualdez said in a statement.
The bill, which harmonizes the versions passed by the House and Senate, is now set for enrollment and transmission to Malacañang for the President’s signature into law.
Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district representative, described the measure as a cornerstone of President Marcos the Bagong Pilipinas vision that prioritizes the needs of both consumers and producers.
“Batas ito para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino na nangangarap ng abot-kayang pagkain, mas maayos na kabuhayan at kinabukasang may kasiguruhan para sa kanilang mga anak (This law is for every Filipino family who dreams of affordable food, better livelihood, and a future with certainty for their children)," he said.
The Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act aims to boost local production of pork, chicken, dairy and eggs by supporting smallholder farmers and modernizing supply chains.
The Speaker emphasized that the law does not simply promote industry growth, but ensures equity and sustainability across the board.
“For backyard raisers and livestock farmers who’ve long been left behind, this is the support they’ve been waiting for – access to credit, veterinary care, post-harvest facilities and infrastructure that can finally elevate their livelihood,” Romualdez, Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president, explained.
By increasing investment in feed mills, slaughterhouses, cold storage facilities and logistics, the law is also expected to drive growth in rural communities and create new jobs in the agricultural sector.
“Through this measure, we’re creating the conditions for sustained rural development. Jobs will follow where there is investment. That’s how you empower communities from the ground up,” then House leader noted.
Enhanced biosecurity systems and food safety standards are also central to the new law, providing protection from animal diseases and ensuring that Filipino consumers are guaranteed safe and high-quality meat and dairy products.
“Health and safety go hand in hand with affordability. Kung hindi mura ang pagkain, mas mahihirapan ang ating mga kababayan. Kaya sinisiguro ng batas na ito na hindi lamang bababa ang presyo ng pangunahing bilihin, safe at masustansya din ang ating pagkain,” he stressed.
(If food isn't affordable, our fellow citizens will struggle even more. That’s why this law ensures not only lower prices for essential goods but also that our food is safe and nutritious.)
The Speaker also highlighted the swift and coordinated action taken by both chambers in finalizing the measure, pointing to the administration’s shared commitment to uplifting agriculture and ensuring food sovereignty.
He expressed gratitude to House Agriculture and Food Committee Chairman Quezon 1st district Rep. Mark Enverga, Senate Agriculture Chair Senator Cynthia Villar, and all conferees who ensured that the final version of the bill balanced sectoral needs with national interest.
“Legislation like this proves that when Congress acts in harmony with the Executive, genuine progress becomes not just possible but inevitable. With the President’s signature, this game-changer law will become a powerful tool for economic inclusion, grassroots empowerment and national food resilience,” Romualdez added.
Source: Manila Bulletin.
