As the Philippines’ livestock industry has received scant attention and developmental assistance from the government, Senator Cynthia Villar has resolved to give it a boost.
“The livestock sector comprising cattle, hogs, poultry and dairy should be able to guarantee food security and reduce poverty in the countryside by giving better income and jobs to farmers and their families,” said the chair of the Senate agriculture committee.
Villar said the sector’s development could improve availability and affordability of safe and nutritious livestock, poultry and dairy products for the 110 million Filipinos.
The senator noted that this sector’s issues and problems should be addressed, prompting her to seek the help of the Department of Finance to conduct a study on the competitiveness of the country’s livestock sector to be the basis of the draft bill.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) reported their findings during the hearing.
There are several bills related to this matter, which include Senate Bill 139 authored by her and Senator Nancy Binay.
The bill seeks to strengthen and rationalize the livestock industry to promote its development, protection and regulatory functions.
