THE Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), has issued show cause orders to nine pig farms in Central Luzon for operating without the required licenses.
The move was in line with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to crack down on unregistered livestock facilities that distort the food supply chain and threaten price stability.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the hog farms—located in Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac—must explain why they continue to operate despite bypassing basic health, environmental, and safety regulations. These lapses, he warned, jeopardize national efforts to stabilize pork supply and pricing, especially as the country recovers from the lingering effects of African Swine Fever (ASF).
“As we modernize Philippine agriculture, everyone must understand that unlicensed operations will not be tolerated,” said Tiu Laurel. “Compliance is not optional—it is fundamental to protecting both consumers and the livelihoods of law-abiding farmers.”
Acting BAI Director Christian Daquigan said the orders were served shortly after the midterm elections. The BAI is currently evaluating responses from some of the farms, and further enforcement actions may follow.
Secretary Tiu Laurel has also instructed BAI to widen its inspection net and assess the compliance of other swine farms across the country.
The DA and BAI continue to review and monitor the operations of animal facilities nationwide to ensure adherence to licensing, health, and safety requirements—part of a broader effort to professionalize the livestock industry and protect public welfare.
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