HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Sunday welcomed the final ratification of the bicameral conference committee report on the Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act, calling it a “game-changing” reform that will 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. We are responding directly to the marching order of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize food security and rural development,” said Speaker Romualdez.
The bill, which harmonizes the versions passed by the House and Senate, is now set for enrollment and transmission to Malacañang for the President’s signature into law.
Speaker Romualdez described the measure as a cornerstone of the Bagong Pilipinas vision of the President that prioritizes the needs of both consumers and producers.
“Batas ito para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino na nangangarap ng abot-kayang pagkain, mas maayos na kabuhayan at kinabukasang may kasiguruhan para sa kanilang mga anak,” he said.
The Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act aims to boost local production of pork, chicken, dairy and eggs by supporting smallholder farmers and modernizing supply chains.
Speaker Romualdez emphasized that the law does not simply promote industry growth, but ensures equity and sustainability across the board.
“For backyard raisers and livestock farmers who’ve 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,” Speaker Romualdez explained.
By increasing investment in feed mills, slaughterhouses, cold storage facilities and logistics, the law is also expected to drive growth in rural communities and create new jobs in the agricultural sector.
“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,” Speaker Romualdez explained.
Enhanced biosecurity systems and food safety standards are also central to the new law, providing protection from animal diseases and ensuring that Filipino consumers are guaranteed safe and high-quality meat and dairy products.
“Health and safety go hand in hand with affordability. Kung hindi mura ang pagkain, mas mahihirapan ang ating mga kababayan. Kaya sinisiguro ng batas na ito na hindi lamang bababa ang presyo ng pangunahing bilihin, safe at masustansya din ang ating pagkain,” he stressed.
The Speaker also highlighted the swift and coordinated action taken by both chambers in finalizing the measure, pointing to the administration’s shared commitment to uplifting agriculture and ensuring food sovereignty.
“Ito ang klase ng batas na makikita mo ang malasakit at bisyon ng Bagong Pilipinas ni Pangulong Ramos. Hindi lang para sa ngayon, kundi para sa kinabukasan,” Speaker Romualdez said.
He expressed gratitude to House Agriculture and Food Committee Chair Rep. Mark Enverga, Senate Agriculture Chair Sen. Cynthia Villar, and all conferees who ensured that the final version of the bill balanced sectoral needs with national interest.
“Legislation like this proves that when Congress acts in harmony with the Executive, genuine progress becomes not just possible but inevitable,” said Speaker Romualdez.
“With the President’s signature, this game-changer law will become a powerful tool for economic inclusion, grassroots empowerment and national food resilience,” Speaker Romualdez added.
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