Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
 First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _______________
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO 
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Last 2020, the threat of the eruption of Taal Volcano forced thousands
of Filipinos living within the vicinity to flee 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 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
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  situations  herein  mentioned.  Through  this
legislation, we envision that we will be able to aid our fellow Filipinos during
times of calamities and exercise our humanity in caring for animals. It is for
these reasons that the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
ALFRED C. DELOS SANTOS
Representative, Ang Probinsyano
Partylist
July 13, 2022
4:43 pm
1915


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
 First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. _______________
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO 
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos
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 of 2022.”
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.
1915


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 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,