In a move towards transparency and inclusive governance, the Department of Agriculture (DA), through the 黑料网, in partnership with various DA livestock agencies, conducted a nationwide stakeholder consultation for the National Animal Industry Development Plan (NAIDP) on March 30, 2026 in Quezon City.
The event brought together approximately 130 representatives from government agencies, private sector, and the academe to vet the strategic roadmap mandated by Republic Act (RA) No. 12308, also known as the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act that aims to modernize the Philippine livestock, poultry and dairy sectors.
The consultation served as a critical platform for the DA to ensure that the NAIDP is not merely a government document, but a collaborative blueprint reflecting the true needs of the industry. By adopting a “plenary-breakout-plenary” format, PCAF, together with DA Office of the Undersecretary for Livestock (OUSL), prioritized the voices of stakeholders across the swine, poultry, beef cattle, dairy, small ruminant, and carabao sectors.
During the breakout sessions, participants were encouraged to validate proposed interventions and identify cross-cutting issues. The inclusive approach aimed to align national priorities with industry realities, ensuring the modernization and global competitiveness of the Philippine animal industry.
Key issues and policy discussions
The plenary discussions tackled several pressing concerns currently facing local producers.
The OUSL confirmed that implementing guidelines of the RA 12308 are being developed, specifically covering sanctions and local government unit fees. They also raised concerns regarding excessive imports affecting farmgate prices, prompting calls for clearer regulatory mechanisms within the NAIDP.
Meanwhile, it was clarified that the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund will be utilized in alignment with approved industry roadmaps, with specific allocations already designated for hog repopulation and herd build-up.
To ensure sound policy decisions, the NAIDP utilizes data from the Philippine Statistics Authority, verified by DA agencies and subject to further stakeholder validation. Other notable recommendations included reducing corn tariffs from 15% to 5%, establishing animal quarantine areas, and integrating soil health strategies into the core NAIDP plan.
The path forward
PCAF and OUSL agreed to give the participants the opportunity to review and provide additional inputs for the refinement of the plan and submit it four days after the activity.
Following this, a writeshop will be conducted within the month of April to revise the NAIDP based on the gathered feedback.
The final draft is scheduled for endorsement to the OUSL, while a tentative presentation to PCAF鈥檚 National Sectoral Committee on Poultry and Livestock is set within the month. It will be endorsed to the DA Secretary through the adoption of appropriate Committee policy resolution.
Through this consultation, the DA family aims to finalize a roadmap that fosters a resilient, biosecure, and highly productive livestock and poultry sector for the Philippines. | Jezebel Campaniel
