By Kenneth Marcos 
In a quiet barangay in Nueva Ecija, where farmers rise before dawn to tend to their carabaos, big changes are happening behind the scenes—changes that could shape the future of livestock farming across the country.
The Department of Agriculture–Philippine Carabao Center (DA-PCC) is stepping into a broader and more powerful role. No longer focused solely on the development of carabaos, the PCC will now lead research and development (R&D) for other livestock animals, including cattle and goats.
This expanded mandate is part of Republic Act 12308, or the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act, recently signed into law. The law aims to strengthen and modernize the livestock, dairy, and poultry industries in the Philippines to make them more competitive and sustainable.
Under the law, the national government will allocate ₱20 billion per year for 10 years—a total of ₱200 billion—to fund programs that will improve livestock production, research, and innovation. The money will come from tariffs collected from imports in the agriculture and livestock sectors.
As a result of RA 12308, the 12 existing DA-PCC regional centers will be converted into official R&D stations. In addition, two new research hubs will be established: one at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) in Camarines Sur, and another at Caraga State University (CARSU) in Butuan City.
Agriculture officials say this move will help address long-standing challenges in livestock farming, such as outdated technologies, low productivity, and limited access to quality breeds.
“This expansion allows us to develop science-based solutions not just for carabaos, but for cattle, goats, and other important livestock animals. The goal is to help our farmers earn more and improve food security in the country,” said a DA-PCC official in a statement.
Livestock farming is a vital source of income for many rural families, especially those in Class C, D, and E communities. However, local farmers often struggle with limited access to modern equipment, veterinary care, and market opportunities. By focusing on research and innovation, the PCC hopes to bring practical, affordable solutions straight to the grassroots level.
The expanded R&D centers will also focus on climate-resilient farming, breeding programs, disease prevention, and value chain development—making livestock farming more adaptive to changing weather conditions and global market trends.
In 2024, the livestock sector contributed around 15% to the total agricultural output of the Philippines, with carabao, cattle, and goat farming being major livelihood sources in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. But the country still imports large amounts of meat and dairy products, a problem the new law aims to reduce by strengthening local production.
With this fresh mandate, the PCC is now expected to become a leading institution not just for carabao development, but for the entire livestock industry. Farmers, students, and researchers alike will benefit from its expanded programs, training, and support services.
As the country pushes toward a “Masaganang Bagong Pilipinas,” this move signals a stronger commitment to uplift smallholder farmers and bring science closer to the field.
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