GARIN PUSHES NATIVE ANIMAL BREEDING IN CONGRESS

GARIN PUSHES NATIVE ANIMAL BREEDING IN CONGRESS

Filipinos will find more native chicken in the market and be assured of ample supply and affordable prices of poultry products should Congress enact House Bill Number 3880.

Filed by AAMBIS-Owa Party list Representative Sharon Garin, HB 3880 provides for the promotion of scientific propagation of native animals in the country by introducing effective animal breeding system. 

Pending before the Committee on Agriculture and Food, HB 3880 is the proposed Philippine Native Animal Act of 2014. 

The proposed measure seeks to create a Philippine Native Animal Development Center (PNADC) under the Department of Agriculture (DA). “This will develop and promote native animals as a reliable source of food for Filipinos and potential niche product of the Philippines. This will also generate additional income for small-scale farmers and other rural dwellers,” Rep. Garin said.

The DA Technical Working Group which included University of the Philippines Los Baños Associate Professor Veneranda Magpantay said native animals are “animals found in one geographical location that developed unique physical characteristics, behavior, product attributes, adapted to the local environment and are products of selection with no infusion of exotic breed for at least five (5) generations.”

Examples of native animals include, but are not limited to, native chicken, goats, pigs, ducks, cattle, sheep, and horses, Prof. Magpantay added.

“Since native animals are well adapted to their natural environments with minimum human intervention, it is no surprise that majority of the animals which survived Typhoon Yolanda were native animals,” Bureau of Animal Industry Director Rubina Cresencio said.

“Despite native animals’ valuable contribution in the economic status of farming communities, lack of adequate research facilities and appropriate technology in propagating local breeds hindered the development of native farming sector for years,” Director Cresencio lamented.

When the bill becomes a law, the DA shall link existing small-scale farmers and entrepreneurs who would want to venture into native animal farming to the Landbank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, and financial cooperatives for loans, grants, and incentives.

The Department of Science and Technology, Bureau of Animal Industry and some State Colleges and Universities will provide farmers training and latest technology to ensure high yield.

The National Meat Inspection Service meanwhile shall enforce standards on propagating, processing, and transporting native animals.

Infrastructure like post-harvest, storage, distribution and facilities, and transport services will be provided to qualified farmers or cooperatives using the existing facilities of the NMIS and attached bureaus under the DA. /MP