BOI, DA-BAI push GAHP for stronger livestock sector

The Board of Investments (BOI), in partnership with the Department of Agriculture–Bureau of Animal Industry (DA-BAI), hosted an industry dialogue on Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) on September 10, 2025, in Quezon City.

The event gathered over 200 online and onsite participants from government agencies, industry groups, and accredited farms across the country.

It highlighted GAHP’s role in improving food safety, biosecurity, and investment readiness in livestock and poultry production.

Livestock and poultry contribute more than 28 percent of the gross value added in agriculture, fishery, and forestry.

However, the sectors continue to face disruptions from recurring African Swine Fever (ASF) and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks.

The government is promoting GAHP certification as a strategy to boost farm management, strengthen biosecurity, and attract more investments.

Currently voluntary, GAHP certification follows ten Philippine National Standards (PNS) covering animal welfare, farm operations, environmental compliance, and facilities management.

As of September 2025, only 45 farms nationwide have achieved GAHP certification, showing the need for stronger advocacy and policy support.

The event included presentations on the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) and investment incentives under the CREATE MORE Act (Republic Act No. 12066).

DA-BAI also shared updates on certification procedures and disease control efforts, while the FDA and DENR-EMB presented regulatory developments affecting the sector.

Participants joined live virtual tours of GAHP-compliant farms run by Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines and Bounty Fresh Food, Inc.

Newly GAHP-certified livestock and poultry farms were formally recognized by DA-BAI at the close of the program.

“We highly appreciate the efforts of the Department of Agriculture in managing these diseases and keeping up with the needed support for repopulation and increased resilience of the industry,” said BOI Industry Development Services Executive Director Ma. Corazon Halili-Dichosa.

“But of course, a whole-of-government approach will always be preferred to have more impactful initiatives,” she added.

DA-BAI Animal Health and Welfare Division Chief Dr. Hyacinth Napiloy, speaking for Director Dr. Christian Daquigan, stressed the critical role of livestock and poultry in food security, livelihoods, and income.

“Through the Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP) Certification, we uphold standards that ensure food safety, protect animal welfare, and promote environmental sustainability and industry resilience,” the DA-BAI noted.

The BOI said it is exploring ways to integrate GAHP into supply chain development strategies and livestock investment policies.

It reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with DA-BAI and other regulators to mainstream GAHP and raise Philippine livestock and poultry to globally competitive standards.