Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7209

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Recently, the threat of eruption by the Taal Volcano has forced thousands
of Filipinos living within the vicinity to fled their homes. Unfortunately, these
Filipinos also left behind animals, including pets, livestock and working animals.
Hundreds of these animals were stranded in the vicinity with nothing to eat or
drink, covered with ash spewed by the volcano, and were still leashed.

While there were groups and organizations which stepped up to provide
food and eventually rescue these animals, the impending threat of a possible
volcanic eruption forced the local government units of the affected areas to halt
all operations due to the risk it poses to the volunteers who will be in the area
when forced evacuation of all residents already took place.

From this issue comes the importance of introducing necessary
adjustments to our policy approaches, especially in in the lack of guidelines with
regard to the rescue of livestock and working animals during times of calamity.
Many of our fellow Filipinos depend on these animals for their business, and the
rescue of the same will hopefully reduce all possible impact a calamity will cause
to the economic status of these people.

Hence, it is important that the proper government agencies be mandated
to provide policy guidelines during situations herein mentioned. Through this
legislation, we envision that we will be able to aid our fellow Filipinos during
times of calamity, and exercise our humanity in caring for animals as well. It is
for these reasons that the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

GE

ALFRED C. DELOS SANTOS
Representative, Ang Probinsyano Partylist


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7209

Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos

AN ACT
MANDATING THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL TO PROULGATE GUIDELINES FOR THE RESCUE
OF LIVESTOCK AND WORKING ANIMALS IN CASES OF CALAMITY

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the
Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the “Animal Calamity
Rescue Act of 2020.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect
and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord
with the rhythm and harmony of nature. The State also recognizes the ownership
of livestock and working animals as indispensable to the business of several
Filipinos.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act:

a) "Livestock” refers to domesticated animals raised in an agricultural
setting to produce labor and commodities such as, but not limited

to, meat, eggs, fur, or leather.

b) “Working anima?’ refers to an animal, usually domesticated, that is
kept by humans and trained to perform tasks.

c) “Calamity” refers to a disastrous even marked by great loss and
lasting distress and/or suffering.

SECTION 4. Scope. ~ This Act shall apply to all livestock and working
animals, whether publicly or privately owned.


SECTION 5. Roles and Responsibilities. ~The Department of Agriculture,
with the assistance of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
Council, shall identify, prepare, and provide policy guidance and technical
resource assistance with regard to the rescue of livestock and working animals
in cases of calamity.

The owners of the of such livestock and working animals as defined in this
law shall register the same with their local barangays. The said barangays shall,
keep a record of all working animals and livestock within their jurisdiction. In
the event of a calamity, the local barangay and animal owners shall perform such
acts as necessary to secure the safety of all animals within seven (7) calendar
days from the forced evacuation of residents in the area.

Should it be impossible to do so because of risks to safety of human health,
the matter shall be referred to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and
Management Council for proper action, ensuring that all reasonable steps were
taken to insure minimal pecuniary loss to the animal owners.

SECTION 6. Socio-civic organizations and the Private Sector. - This Act
shall also empower the private sector in engaging and partnering with the
government in promulgating policy measures with regard to the rescue of
livestock and working animals in cases of calamity. Non-governmental
organizations, civic organizations, the academe, people’s organizations, and the
like shall be tapped by the government in providing assistance in the
promulgation and enforcement of such guidelines.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of
Agriculture shall promulgate the implementing rules and regulations of this Act
within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is
held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or parts unaffected
shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, presidential
decrees or issuances, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules, and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,