Marcos signs RA 12308 creating P20B annual fund for animal industry

President Marcos has signed Republic Act 12308, also known as the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, establishing an annual P20 billion fund to support and modernize the country's livestock and poultry sectors.

This landmark legislation creates a 10-year earmarked fund called the Animal Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (AnCEF), which will be financed by tariffs from imported animal products.

The newly enacted law, signed on September 25, will take effect by mid-October following its publication in the Official Gazette.

The Department of Agriculture, through Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., welcomed the passage of the measure, stating it supports the administration's goal of a food-secure and resilient agricultural economy.

He also noted that the law's effectivity around World Food Day on October 16 is fitting and will enhance food security, attract investments, improve farmer incomes, and generate jobs.

The AnCEF will be allocated across various programs, including repopulation, carabao and dairy herd build-up, animal health and disease control, processing facilities, food safety, animal feeds, credit assistance, marketing, research, and farmer accreditation.