The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), has issued show cause orders to nine hog farms in Central Luzon found operating without necessary permits.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said the farms, located in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac, must explain why they continued operations despite lacking basic health, environmental, and safety clearances.
He said the violations undermined efforts to stabilize the country’s pork supply and pricing, especially as the agriculture sector continues to recover from the impact of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“As we modernize Philippine agriculture, everyone must understand that unlicensed operations will not be tolerated,” Tiu Laurel said.
“Compliance is not optional, it is essential to protecting consumers and the livelihoods of law-abiding farmers,” he said.
Acting BAI director Christian Daquigan said the orders were issued shortly after the midterm elections, and the bureau is now reviewing the farms’ responses ahead of possible further enforcement.
Tiu Laurel directed BAI to expand inspections and assess the compliance of swine farms nationwide.
The DA and BAI continue to monitor animal facilities across the country to ensure adherence to licensing, health, and safety standards, as part of a broader effort to professionalize the livestock industry and safeguard public welfare.
The move supports President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to clamp down on unregistered livestock facilities that disrupt the food supply chain and threaten price stability.
