Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
____________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT MANDATING THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND 
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL TO PROMULGATE GUIDELINES FOR THE RESCUE OF 
LIVESTOCK AND WORKING ANIMALS IN CASES OF CALAMITY 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Sec. 16, Art. II of the 1987 Constitution provides that “The State shall protect and advance 
the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and 
harmony of nature.” 
During the 2020 Taal Volcano eruption, the animals and plants on Taal island were killed after 
the volcano roared to life, belching ash and spewing lava fountains.1 
Many of our fellow Filipinos depend on these animals for their business, and the rescue of 
the same will hopefully reduce all possible impacts of what calamity will cause to the economic 
status of these people. 
Hence, the appropriate government agencies must be mandated to provide policy guidelines 
during the situations herein mentioned.  
Through the passage of this proposed measure, we envision that we will be able to aid our 
fellow Filipinos during times of calamities and exercise our humanity in caring for animals. 
On behalf of the people of Parañaque City’s Second District, and for the common good of the 
Filipino people, the approval of the said measure is earnestly sought. 
REP. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
2nd District, Parañaque City 
1
 https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/01/14/1984746/taal-eruption-killed-animals-plants-volcano-island-
ndrrmc-says 
February 10, 2023
3:47 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. _______ 
______________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by HON. GUS S. TAMBUNTING 
AN ACT MANDATING THE NATIONAL DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND 
MANAGEMENT COUNCIL TO PROMULGATE 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.” 
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 animal” 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. 
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The owners 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 the 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,