Senator Cynthia Villar has cited a connection between children's learning outcomes and the high prices of meat, which contribute to protein deficiency and in turn, malnutrition.

Villar mentioned this in her sponsorship of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2558 under Committee Report No. 193, or “An Act Strengthening Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Industry Development and Competitiveness, Rationalizing the Organization and Functions of Relevant Government Agencies, and Creating a Competitive Enhancement Fund Therefor”.

She considers this measure "crucial" to unlock the immense potential of the country's livestock, poultry, and dairy (LPD) industry, and ensure the sustainable growth and development of the local agriculture sector.

She cited the findings of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) that students from countries with higher pork and chicken prices tend to have lower test scores.

In filing the bill, Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Food, noted that she endeavors to advance the development and competitiveness of the LPD industry since it accounts for more than a quarter of the agricultural sector’s output in 2023.

"It stimulates economic growth, especially in rural areas and provides livelihood opportunities to more than 2.8 million livestock and poultry farmers," said Villar.

She says pork and chicken are integral components of the Filipino diet, and helps ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.

"It is estimated that 52.0 percent of our protein consumption comes from pork and chicken, and this is projected to grow even higher to 58.0 percent in 2030," said Villar.

Despite its importance, Villar lamented the LPD industry faces several challenges that hinder it from realizing its full potential.

"We know too well of the effect of disease outbreaks such as the African Swine Fever, which has been afflicting our hog industry and decimating our pork supply since 2019. This has resulted in a significant increase in the prices of pork products," emphasized Villar.

Moreover, when compared to other agricultural commodities, the LPD sector historically receives relatively lower development assistance from the government.

"The Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) data shows that from 2009 to 2020, fiscal support for the LPD sector averaged only PhP 1.18 billion per year, accounting for merely 1.6 percent of the total budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the period," she said.

The senator says the Philippines is also struggling with dairy production and is heavily dependent on imported milk.

One of the major reasons that have led the country to this situation, Villar said, is the highly fragmented government support structure overseeing the LPD industry.

The proposed measure provides for the creation of the Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy Competitiveness Enhancement Fund or the LPD Fund.

"Building on the model of the Rice Competitive Enhancement Fund or RCEF established under Republic Act No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law, tariff collection from LPD imports will be earmarked to the LPD Fund. It shall consist of an annual appropriation of P7.8 billion for six (6) years," said Villar.

She said this amount will be utilized by the relevant agencies, on top of their respective annual budgets.

The beneficiaries of the fund are small-hold raisers, cooperatives, associations or organizations accredited by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

An LPD Registry System or the master list of eligible beneficiaries will be established by the DA in consultation with farmer cooperatives and loral government units.