House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed on Sunday the bicameral conference committee’s ratification of the proposed “Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act,” calling it a “game-changing” law that would lower food prices and expand livelihood opportunities for millions of Filipinos.
“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,” Romualdez said in a statement, adding this is a direct response to the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on food security.
The bill, which harmonizes the versions passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate, is now set for enrollment and transmission to Malacañang for the President’s signature.
Romualdez described the measure as a cornerstone of President Marcos’ Bagong Pilipinas vision, which prioritizes the needs of both consumers and producers.
“This is a law for every Filipino family, who dreams of access to affordable meals, more stable livelihoods, and an assured future for their children,” he said.
The proposed law aims to boost local production of pork, chicken, dairy, and eggs by supporting smallholder farmers and modernizing supply chains. Romualdez said it doesn’t just promote industry growth, but ensures equity and sustainability.
“For backyard raisers and livestock farmers who have 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,” he said.
The bill is also expected to spur growth in rural communities by increasing investment in feed mills, slaughterhouses, cold storage facilities, and logistics.
“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,” Romualdez added.
The measure also strengthens biosecurity systems and food safety standards, protecting livestock from disease and ensuring safe, high-quality meat and dairy products for consumers.
“Health and safety go hand in hand with affordability. If food isn’t cheap, our countrymen will struggle even more. That’s why this law ensures that not only will the prices of basic goods go down, but our food will also be safe and nutritious,” Romualdez said.
The House Speaker praised the swift and coordinated work of both chambers of Congress, thanking agriculture and food committee chair Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, Senate agriculture chair Sen. Cynthia Villar, and all conferees who ensured the bill balanced sectoral needs with national interest.araja
