Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the newly enacted Republic Act 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act (AIDCA), will modernize the Department of Agriculture’s livestock, poultry, and dairy programs, with P200 billion in funding over 10 years to support President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s goal of building a food-secure and resilient agricultural economy.
Signed by the President on Sept. 25, the law will take effect in mid-October following publication in the Official Gazette.
“It is fitting that this long-awaited law to develop the livestock, dairy, and poultry sectors will take effect around the time we celebrate World Food Day on October 16, 2025. The future development of these sectors will not only enhance food security, but also attract new investments, improve farmer incomes, and generate more jobs,” Tiu Laurel said.
AIDCA elevates the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) into a line agency of the DA, expanding its regulatory powers. It also strengthens the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC) and National Dairy Authority (NDA) by assigning them expanded mandates, including biotechnology and vaccine development.
The law aims to build local capacity for producing vaccines and disease response protocols against major animal health threats such as African Swine Fever (ASF), Newcastle Disease, and Avian Influenza, reducing reliance on imports and improving national biosecurity.
An important feature of AIDCA is the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF), which will channel P20 billion annually from tariff collections on livestock, poultry, and dairy.
Of this, 26 percent will support repopulation and herd build-up, with 70 percent earmarked for the hog industry, 20 percent for poultry, and 5 percent each for native and other animals.
The law also allocates billions for animal health, climate resilience, and mechanization, including P1.2 billion for animal health promotion, P1.8 billion for recovery from biosecurity threats, and P7 billion to modernize postharvest infrastructure such as slaughterhouses and cold storage. It also prioritizes feed development and affordable credit for farmers.
“This is a bold commitment to the people who feed our country. It marks a turning point for Philippine agriculture, one that empowers farmers, protects consumers, and prepares our food systems for the future,” Tiu Laurel said.
