Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2356

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3 Congressional District, Camarines Sur

Animal welfare profoundly impacts public health and community
development, yet access to affordable veterinary services remains a significant
challenge across the Philippines. Most veterinary care is concentrated in private,
urban centers, leaving countless Filipinos, particularly in underserved areas,
without vital services. This gap exacerbates poor animal health and public safety,
leading to increased zoonotic diseases such as rabies. It also fosters irresponsible
pet ownership, contributing to uncontrolled stray populations, and results in
economic burdens and animal cruelty. Despite the existing Animal Welfare Act,
Republic Act No. 8485, as amended, many Local Government Units lack the
necessary veterinary infrastructure for effective implementation.

This "Animal Medical Center Act" directly addresses these systemic
deficiencies by mandating the establishment of a public veterinary clinic in every
city and municipality. This transformative measure aims to ensure universal access
to essential veterinary services, including vaccinations, spay/neuter programs, and
basic medical care. It will promote responsible pet ownership, strengthen public
health through zoonotic disease control, improve overall animal welfare, and
support local agriculture.

By leveraging the capabilities of Local Government Units and the
Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Animal Industry, this bill establishes a clear
framework for the creation, operation, staffing, and sustainable funding of these
vital public facilities. Its enactment is a pivotal step towards fostering a healthier


populace, promoting more humane animal treatment, and building more resilient
communities across the Philippines.

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is sought.

Representative, 3rd D marines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2356

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3" Congressional District, Camarines Sur

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PUBLIC VETERINARY CLINIC IN EVERY CITY
AND MUNICIPALITY IN THE COUNTRY, PROVIDING FOR THEIR
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS.
THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Animal Medical
Center Act."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy of the State
to protect and promote the welfare of every animal, recognize their intrinsic value,
and ensure that their basic health and safety needs are adequately met. Towards
this end, the State shall establish and strengthen accessible and affordable animal
health and veterinary services in all local government units nationwide, thereby
contributing to public health, responsible pet ownership, and a humane society.

SECTION 3. Establishment. There shall be established, operated, and
continuously maintained a public veterinary clinic in every city and municipality
in the country. These clinics shall be under the direct control and supervision of
the respective city or municipal local government unit (LGU), in consultation and
coordination with the Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Animal Industry
(DA-BAI).


SECTION 4. Provision of Facilities and Equipment. The concerned city or
municipal LGU shall provide an adequate, accessible, and suitable lot or space
where the public veterinary clinic shall be constructed or established. The clinics
shall be equipped with essential machines, equipment, instruments, and supplies
necessary for providing comprehensive basic veterinary services.

SECTION 5. Functions and Services. The public veterinary clinics shall
perform functions and provide services including, but not limited to:

(a) Providing routine vaccinations (e.g., anti-rabies, distemper) and
deworming services;

(b) Conducting spay and neuter programs for pet population control;

(0) Offering basic veterinary consultations, diagnoses, and medical
treatments for common animal illnesses;

(a) Performing minor surgical procedures;

(e) Assisting in the control and prevention of zoonotic diseases in
coordination with local health offices;

( Conducting animal welfare awareness and responsible pet
ownership campaigns;

(g) Maintaining a database of registered pets and vaccinated animals
within the LGU's jurisdiction;

(h) Providing basic emergency care for animals; and

(i) Coordinating with local animal welfare organizations and law
enforcement for animal rescue and cruelty cases.

SECTION 6. Organizational Structure and Staffing. The local chief executive
shall appoint a qualified Chief Veterinarian to head the public veterinary clinic,
who shall have the necessary professional qualifications and experience as
prescribed by the Civil Service Commission and the Professional Regulation
Commission. The Chief Veterinarian shall render full-time service and be
responsible for the clinic's overall administration and operation. The local chief
executive shall also appoint the necessary veterinary medical, technical, and
administrative personnel and staff, proportionate to the needs of the LGU and in
accordance with relevant civil service laws, rules, and regulations.


SECTION 7. Design, Policies, Terms and Conditions. The LGU shall prepare
the design and layout of the clinic structure in consultation with the DA-BAI. The
LGU shall also formulate and implement appropriate local policies, guidelines,
fees (if any, for non-indigent cases, and subject to LGU ordinances), and terms and
conditions relative to the efficient operation and maintenance of the public
veterinary clinic, ensuring accessibility and affordability of services.

SECTION 8. Funding. For the initial establishment and
construction/renovation of public veterinary clinics, an initial appropriation shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act for the ensuing fiscal year
following the approval of this Act. This initial funding shall be allocated as a
subsidy from the National Government, through the Department of Agriculture,
to assist cities and municipalities in meeting the capital outlay requirements for
these facilities.

The city or municipal local government unit shall primarily be responsible
for providing the necessary funds for the continuous operation, maintenance, and
personnel services of their respective public veterinary clinics. Such funds shall be
included in their annual regular appropriations. The Department of Agriculture
may provide supplementary financial assistance or technical support for specific
programs (eg, mass vaccination, spay/neuter drives) as part of its regular
mandate.

SECTION 9. Monitoring and Evaluation. The DA-BAI, in coordination with
the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and relevant
professional organizations, shall establish a robust system for monitoring and
evaluating the establishment, operation, and effectiveness of the public veterinary
clinics. This system shall ensure compliance with national standards, promote best
practices, and facilitate continuous improvement of animal health services
nationwide.

SECTION 10. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days
after the approval of this Act, the DA-BAI, in coordination with the Department of
the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and such other relevant agencies and
professional organizations, shall prepare and issue the necessary rules and
regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 11. Separability Clause. If any portion or provisions of this Act are
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining portions or provisions not
otherwise affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 12. Repealing Clause. All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are


inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SECTION 13. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,