By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
A comprehensive review of regulations governing the transport of livestock, especially concerning chickens and hogs, is being conducted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) to address ongoing supply challenges exacerbated by lingering animal health issues.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said that the review of existing regulations will be carried out in consultation with industry groups, particularly the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food Inc.
“This extensive review of regulations, including D.A. 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,” Secretary Tiu Laurel explained.
The directive, 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.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) is also reviewing D.A. Administrative Circular No. 2, Series of 2022, which modified the National Zoning and Movement Plan to control African Swine Fever (ASF), which has devastated the hog industry since its outbreak in 2019.
“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,” Laurel said.
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