Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

15™ Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILE NO. 4625

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE MARK LLANDRO L, MENDOZA.

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE ANIMAL INDUSTRY AND
VETERINARY SERVICES IN THE PHILIPPINES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The challenges in food animal production and health during the last decade had been
enormous. The presence of new and emerging animal diseases, especially those that
are transmissible to humans, demands of globalization, effects of climate change.
dependence on agricultural imports, our burgeoning population and pervasive rural
poverty have all impeded the full development of the animal industry, thereby posing
real threats 10 our nation’s food security. The agricultural sector contributed 18% to
the National Gross Domestic Product (NGDP) of which 26% to 28% or aby ¢ £340
billion was contributed by the livestock and poultry sub-sector under the auspices of
the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI). The BAI, established by law in 1930 as a line
bureau was able to carry out its mandate of increasing food animal production and
maintaining the health of food animals. However, in 1987, its regional line functions
were decentralized pursuant to Executive Order No. 292 (Administrative Code of
1987). When the Local Government Law was enacted and implemented in 1991, most
of the veterinary field services were devolved to the local government units (LGUs)
With regard to its domestic activities, BAT has been relegated to a staff bureau
without control over the regional and local veterinary services and animal production
as well as animal welfare. This inadequacy contributed to the inability of the BAI to
immediately and effectively institute measures in thy prevention, control and
eradication of

harmfal/zoonotic animal diseases on a national scale und international seale such as
the prevention of entry of exotic animal diseases, contro! and eradication of domestic
animat and zoonotic diseases (e.g., Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or Gird Ftu,
Mad Cow, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Ebola Reston Virus in pigs). Likewise, this .as also
affected the implementation of national policies and standards on animal production
and welfare effectively, The Phitippines officially recognizes the international heatth
guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (QUE) and Sanitary-
Phytosanitary (SPS) measures set by the Warld Trade Organization (WTO) in matters
of trade facifitation. However, there are problem areas in their proper implementation.
Issues relating to observance of acceptable levet of drug residues in animal products
and lack of enforcing authority on confiscation/destruction of contaminated ot
suspected to be infected animals and animal products, tarm accreditation, animal
traceability and establishment of disease-free areas are some of the health concerns



facing the animal industry. With these evolving challenges since its inception more
than 80 years ago, the BAI must keep abreast with global developments. Hence. we
now need an expanded but LIMITED LINE AUTHORITY in the delivery of
functional and efficient Veterinary Services in the country. Il is therefore imperative
that this proposed Act be enacted into law in order to further improve the animal
industry and strengthen the veterinary services of the Philippines through an agency 10
be called the “Nationa! Livestock and Veterinary Services Authority (NVESA) in lieu
of the current BAI as provided for in this proposed Act.



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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

Fifteeath Congress
First Regular Session

nouse bittwo,_ 4625

Introduced by Honorable Mark Llandro L. Mendoza

AN ACT STRENGTHENING THE ANIMAI INDUSTRY AND
VETERINARY SERVICES IN THE PHILLPPINES.

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

Section },
Section 2.

Section 3.

Section 4.

i

Chapter I
INTRODUCTORY PROVISIONS
Tide. - This Act shall be known as the “Animal Industry and Veterinary Services st of 2010",

Declaration of Policy. - \t shall be the policy of the State to promote and protect animal health
and welfare, recognize the importance of efficient delivery of sanitary measures, establish a
modem and responsive national veterinary’ authority, encourage the participation of various
veterinary service providers, and secure the development of the animal industry in the antainment
of greater safeguards and food security for the country's animal and human populations.
improved public health and environment, and enhanced global trade competitiveness.

Coverage. - ‘This Act shall apply to all programs, activities and undertakings of persons.
corporations, associations, organizations, smatl-hold farmers, entities, or government agencies
that, directly or indirectly, deals on (1) animal health related matters such as, but not limited to,
(a) animal and zoonotic disease diagnosis, treatment, prevention, control and eradication, (b)
carly detection systems and compulsory reporting of imporwittt animal discases and zoonoses, (c)
inspection and monitoring of (i) animals, animal products and by-products (ii) animal facilities,
premises, equipment, means of transportation and other inanimate things in contact with animals
and/or animal products (iii) animal feeds, feed ingredients, supplements and additives, (i)
veterinary drugs, biologicals, immounotogical products, cosmetics and devie's. (2) animal
welfare, (3) training and research on animal health and welfare, marketing and extension
services, and product development, (4) rational and judicious use of veterinary drugs, biologicals
and diagnostic reagents in animals; (5) management, genetic improvement and operations of
beef cattle, poultry and small ruminant farms of the government for conservation of native
domestic breeds,

Objectives. The State shail endeavor to achieve the following objectives:

To protect human and environmental health from hazards caused by animal diseases and
zoonoses;

To establish a modern and responsive veterinary services;

To formulate, promote, enforce, implement rules, policies and programs for the promotion of
animal health, animal welfare and environment-friendly animai production processes:

To institutionalize inter-agency, multi-sectoral and tocal government cooperation om animal
health and veterinary service programs;

To ensure animal food production safety and food security in support of poverty : .leviation;


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6. To guarantee compliance and harmonization of sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures and
other veterinary protocols with international standards;

7. To promote an environment of global livestock trade competitiveness

8. To establish nucleus and multiplier livestock breeder and production farms in support of the
government's modernization programs in agriculture.

Section 5. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the followiag terms and phrases shall mean as
follows:

Accreditation ~ refers 10 the procedure by which government agency having jurisdiction formally recognizes
the competence of an inspection and/or certification body to provide inspection aid =entification
servi

Agribusiness — refers to the various businesses involved in food production, including farming, breed and
fecd supply, agrichemicals, farm and processing machinery, wholesale and distribution.
processing, marketing and retail sales. [1 also means making a “simple farmer” or “small backyard
operator” into an “entrepreneur,” by legalizing their business venture with distinct identity and by
developing their own competitive edge in the industry group where they belong.

Attimal - cefers to vertebrate and invertebrate species whether domestic or wild (exotic or indigenous)
animals which maybe food producing, companion, aquatic, laboratory including hirds, worms, bees
and butterflies. The term excludes human and non-mammalian aquatic species,

Animal facility ~ refers (o structures of premises generally used for the purpose of caring, breeding. rearing.
holding, gaming, training, trading, treating and exhibition suzh as but not limited to, farms, 200s,
aviaries, apiaries, kennels, racetracks, cockpits, pet shops, pounds, animal rescue centers, airport
and seaport quarantine stations, animal holding facilities, ‘stables, livestock markets,
slaughterhouses, veterinary clinies, and veterinary hospitals,

Animal Health - refers to the over-all physical condition and well-being of animaks),

Animal Idemification - refers to the combination of the identification and registration of an animal
individually, with a unique identifier, or collectively by its epidemiological unit or group. with a
unique group identifier.

Animal Identification System - efers to the inclusion and linking of component such as identification of

establishments, owners, person or persons responsible for the animal(s), animal movements and
other records with an animal identification.

Animal Industry ~ refers to any activity relating to the production, breeding, caring, rearing, holding, trading.
transporting and use of all animals; animal processing, marketing and feed milling:

Animal Health Technician - refers to any person who is authorized by the Professional Regulations
Commission to carry out certain designated and delegated tasks under the responsibility. and
supervision of a duly licensed veterinarian,

Animat Production Food Sufety and Security - refers to measures taken in farms and production areas 10
safeguard the health of the consuming public and ensure that the food derived therefrom is safe and
of sufficient quantity or supply. This includes mcasures taken to regulate and como! the
introduction of non-foud animals to the food chain

Animal Products and By-Products - cefer to any seat, fat, milk whey, cream, butter, cheese. egg of other
food of foodstuffs derived from an animal; of any: part of the viscera of an animal, hide. skin. hair.
wool, feathers. shell, hom or hoof, or any article or substance derived from dung. urine, feces,
‘bone, or blood of an animal; or any secretion of an animal or any product or biological preparation
made or derived from any animal tissue or animal secretion; or uny article or substance detived
from an animat such as semen, whether or not in combination with any article or substance: ac any
aeticle or substance or thing that is declared by order to be an animat product for the purposes of
this Act

Animal Registry -

Border Post - refers to any airport, or scaport, railway station or road check-point open to domestic and
international trade of commodities, where veterinary inspecticins are performed.


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Buffer Zone - refers to an area established to protect the health status of animals in a disease free country of
disease free zones, from those in a country or zone of a different animal health status. using
measures based on the epidemiology of the disease under consideration to prevent spread of the
causative pathogenic agent into a free country or free zone. These measures may include, but are
not limited to, vaccination, mavement control and an intensified degree of disease surveillance.

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certification bodies provide written or equivalent assurance that animal control systems conform to
requirements,

Chief Veterinary Officer - refers to a veterinarian who has the responsibility and competence of ensuring
and supervising the implementation of animal health and welfare measures, international veterinary
certification and other standards and guidetines in the Terrestrial Animal Health Code of the
World Organization for Animal Heath or Organization International des Fpizooties (ONE) in the
entire country.

Compartment - refers to one of more establishments under a common biosecurity manzgement system
containing an animal subpopulation with a distinct health status with respect to a .pexific disease
or diseases for which required surveillance, control, biosecurity measures have been applied for the
purpose of international trade,

Competent Authority - refers to the NLVSA which is the official authority charged by the goveroment in the
control of animal health, welfare, animal production food safety and veterinary services.

Confiscation - refers to taking into custody of animals, animal parts and/or products, and/or of animal effects
by the competent authority for its proper disposal for having, been the subject of violation of rules
and regulations or posing risk to general human and animal welfare.

Control Area or zone - cefers 10 an area around the infected area where restrictions will reduce andlor limit
the chance of further spreading the disease.

Diseases - refer to the impairment of normal state of living animals showing sub-clinical.
clinical/pathological manifestation with infectious und non-infectious condition,

Early detection system - refers to a system for the timely detection and identification of animal and zoonotic

diseases which includes the following characteristics, namely; (a) representative coverage of target
imal populations by veterinary field services; (b) ability to undertake «r'ective disease
investigation and reporting; (c) access to laboratories capable of diagnosing ana aifferentiating,
relevant diseases; and (d) training program for veterinarians and animal health technicians for
detecting and reporting unusual disease occurrence

Emerging Disease - reters to 4 new infection resulting from the evolution or change of an existing
pathogenic ayent, a known infection spreading to a new geographic area or population, of a
previously unrecognizable pathogenic agent or disease diagnosed for the first time and which has a
significant impact on animal or public health.

Epidemiology - refers to the science concerned with the study of factors determining and influencing the
frequency and distribution of disease, injury and other health-related events and their causes in a
defined population.

Equivalence of Sanitary Measures - refers to the state wherein the sanitary measure(s) proposed by the
exporting country as an alternative to those of the importing country achieve(s) the same level of
protection

Eradication - refers to the elimination of « pathogenic agent or disease from the country ar rone’area/region.

Establishment - refers to entities engaged in the manufacture, production, preparation, hands .g. importation,
exportation, sale, storage, offer for sale, distribution, transfer, use, testing, promotion, advertising
of sponsorship of animals, animal products and by-products, veterinary drugs and biological
products, feeds and feed ingredients, cosmeties, and devives,

Exporting Couutry - refers t the country of origin of commodities which are sent to another country

Feed - cefers to a mixture or combination of feed ingredients, supplements and additives, in any form, by
specific formula 10 be fed directly as a sole ration to animals which is capable of furnishing the
nutritional needs or requirements of the animal in order to maintain life, promote growth,
Production and reproduction without any additional substance except water.

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Feed Ingredients - refer to al acticles, in any form, that are added or mixed into the composition or which
are used as raw materials in the formulation of a feed or ration, base feed, base mix, concentrate,
feed supplement, feed additive, specialty feed and/or special [eed preparation pus porting to supply
additional nutrients, such as but not limited to, proteins, carbohydrates, fats, mit -ra:s. vitamins,
growth promoting factors and/or correcting nutritional disorders,

Free Zone - reters to an area which the absence of the disease under consideration has been complied in
accordance with the requirements specified in the Terrestrial Code of the OIE for frve status being
met. Within the zone and at its borders, appropriate official veterinary controt is effectively
applied for animals and animal products, and their transportation.

Governance — refers to the process by which the Phitippines government (national, regional and local),
Private sector, industry associations and other stakeholders collectively solve the problems, needs
and concems of the animal industry.

Hazard - refers to a biological, chemical or physical agent in, or a condition of an animal or animal product
with the potential to cause an adverse health effect.

Indemnification - refers to the payment for any loss of animals or damage to its by-products in accordance
with the guidelines establistied by the Veterinary Authority

Infected Zone - refers to an area in which the divease under consideration is present
Livestock - refers to food animals including poultry

Livestock Agribusiness Marketing - refers to the critical roles marketing plays in the successful operation of
an agribusiness firm by focusing on the six major parts of agribusiness marketing system such as
1) the agricultural input industries; 2) the impact of technology-induced changes on production
practices and the need for marketing awareness on the part of farmers as a way to achieve greater
profitability; 3) the commodity processing and food manufacturing industries: 4) the food
wholesaling and retailing industries: 5) the food service industry; and 6) cooperative vgribusiness.

Livestock Marketing System ~ refers to livestock economics system that relies upon the markets and market

forces 10 allocate resources and goods, to determine prices and quantities of each product that will
be produced.

‘Marketing - refers (o the process of planning the conception, pricing, p-omotion and distribution af goods
and services to create exchanges that satisfy individual and organizational objectives.

Market Infrastructure - sefers (o facilities including, but not limited co livestock “oksyon™ market,
wer/public market buildings. weighing scale center, holding pens, warehouses, mrket information
centers, slaughterhouses, connecting roads. transport and communication and cold Wrage used by
the livestock farmers in marketing their produce.

Marketing Information System - refers 1o an information system concerned with the collection, storage, and
analysis of information and data tor marketing decision making purposes. Information for use in
marketing information systems is gathered from customers, competitors and their products, and
from the market itself,

Marketing Intelligence - refers o data/information obtained both publicly & privately by market players that
reflect a myriad of factors regarding prices, stocks, trends, goverament poticies affecting supply or
demand, production und consumption af products, by-products and atlied products in ats industry
€.g. animal industry, co achieve a marketing of business-related competitiveness.

Market Research - cefers (0 the identification of a specific market and measurement of ts size and other
characteristics collected from direct observation of the consumers (such as in retais stores), mail
surveys, telephone or face-to-face interviews, and from published sources (such as demographic
data).

Notifiable Disease - refers to discase listed by the Veterinary Authority, and thal, as son as detected oF
suspected, must be brought to the attention of the Veterinary Authority. in ¢ cordanee with
national regulations.

Notification - refers to the procedure by which the Local Veterinary Authority informs the National
Veterinary Authority, of the occurrence of an outbreak of disease or infection.


OIE (Office Internationale des Epizootis) or the World Organization for Animal Health - is the
intergovernmental organization responsible for improving animal health worldwide. It is
recognized as a reference organization by the World Trade Organization (WTO),

Quarantine - refers to the act of isolating animals from other animals with no direct or indirect contact with
other animals, t prevent the transmission of specified pathogen{s) while the animals are
undergoing observation, and, if appropriate. testing and treatment, for a specified length of time
andor 1 determine their freedom from disease.

Production processes - vefer to the transformational steps in the conversion of raw mateials t0 finished
products:

Poultry — includes chickens, turkeys, guinva fowl, gamefowls, ducks, geese, quails, pigeons, pheasants,
pariridges, and ratites reared or kept in captivity for breeding, production of meat or eggs for
consumption or for re-stocking supplies of game.

Professional Regulation Commission - Board of Veterinary Medicine (PRC-BYM) ~ refers wo an
autonomous authority regulating veterinarians and animal health technicians.

Quarantine Station - refers to a facility under the control of the veterinary services where animals are under
quarantine/isolation for observation.

Risk - refers to the likelihood of the occurrence and the likely magnitude of consequences of an adverse
event to animal or human health in the importing country dut-ag a specified time periud, as a result
‘oF hazardous elements,

Risk Analysis - refers to the process composed of hazard identification, risk assessment, risk management,
and risk communication.

Risk Assessment - refers to the evaluation of the likelihood and the biological and economic Lor.sequences of
entzy. establishment, or spread of a pathogenic agent within the territory of an importing country

Risk Communication - rcfers to the interactive exchange of information on risk among risk assessors. risk
managers and other interested parties,

Risk Management - refers to the process of identifying. selecting and implementing measures that can be
applied to reduce the level of risk

Sanitary Meusure - refers to any scheme or strategy applied 10 protect animal or human health or life within
the territory of the country from the risks arising from the entry, establishment or spread of 3
hazardous element,

Sanitury and Phytosanitary Measures - refers to the sei of legal framework for international trade of
animals. animal products and by-products, veterinary bio'ogics. drugs, products and devices.
animal feeds and feed ingredients that is safe for public, animal snd plant health with important
Provisions on harmonization, equivalence. assessment of risk and appropriate lesel of protection.
regionalization, transparency and notification.

Shipping Permit - cefers to the document issued by the NILVSA authorizing the person ina’ ad therein w
ship or Gansport the stated items to their indicated destination(s).

Third party certification or independent certification is defined as when a firm requires that its suppliers
meet a certain standard end requests an independent organization that is not insolved in the
business relationship to control the comptiance of the suppliers.

Traceability - rectors to the ability to follow or monitor the history/recurd of wn animal or group uf animals
during al} stages of its life.

Vaccination - refers ty the successtul immunization af susceptible animals chcough the administration of

appropriate immunizing agents comprising of antigens or bacterins or any agent appropriate to the
disease to be controtied.

Veterinarian - refers to a person who has been registered and issued 4 valid contiticate of registration and
professional identification card by Professional Regulator, Commission Boant uf Veterinary,
Medicine of the Philippines.

Veterinary Authority - refers to the governmem authority, comprising of duly licensed veterinarians. having
the responsibitity and competence of ensuring or supervising the implementation 9f arimal health

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and welfare measures, international veterinary certification and other standards and guidelines in
the Terrestrial Code of the OLE (World Organization for Animal Health),

Veterinary Biological Products - refers to all microorganisms ( ses, bacteria, fungi. protozoa. etc.).
‘components or products of microorganisms, antigens, antisera, bacterins, immunoglobulins and
analogous products of natural or of synthetic origin, including genetically modified organisms,
diagnostic kits and reagents, serums, toxins and antitoxins intended for use in the diagnosis,
prevention and treatment of animal diseases and for research purposes. °

Veterinary Cosmetics - refers to any substance of preparation intenced to be placed in contact with the
various external parts of the animal body or with the teeth, mucous membranes of the oral cav ‘ity,
with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance
and/or correcting the body odor, and/or protecting the body or keeping the same in 200d condition,

Veterinary Device - refers 10 sny instruments, apparatuses, implements, machines. appliances or
contrivances, including their components, parts and accessories intended for use in the diagnosis.
cure, mitigation, treatment and prevention of animal diseases or to affect the structure or any
function of the body or animals.

Veterinary Drug - refers to articles for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of
diseases of animals.

Veterinary Products — as use in this Act shall collectively refer to veterinary biologicals, drugs, devices, and
cosmetics as defined hercin and to other substances applied (0 animal facilities such as but not
limited to disinfectants, insecticides, and substances thai modify or extend physiological functions.
behaviors or availability such as but not timited to hormones, growth promotants. probiotics and
acidifiers.

Veterinary inspector - refers to any duly-licensed veterinarian employcd by the national or local government
unit primarily tasked to diagnose, investigate and control animal diseases and other such duties
stipulated in this Act.

Veterinary Personnel — refers to an employee working in a veterinary office.

Veterinary Services - refer to the activities in the implementation of animal health, welfare, [ved and food
safety by goverament and non-government organizations

Zone / Region - refers to a clearly defined part of the country containing an animal subpopulation with a
distinct health status with respect to a specific disease for which required surveillance. control and
biosecurity measures have been applied for the purpose of international trade.

Zoonosis - refers to any disease or infection which is naturally transmissible from animals to human.

Chapter It
STRUCTURE, POWERS AND FUNCTIONS

Section 6. The National Livestock and Veterinary Services Authori'y. - The Bureau of Animal Industry
(BAI) shall be renamed as the “National Livestock and Veterinary Services Authority
(NLVSA)”, an attached Tine agency up to the regional level under the Department of
Agriculture, chiefly responsible for overseeing and promoting the health. welfare and
productivity of the national animal population for food safety, food seurity and rural
development...

The NI-VSA shail be headed by a Director General, with the rauk of undersecretary, who must
possess a minimum experience of ten (J0) years in practice as a duly ticenscd veterinarian. He
shall be assisted by a Deputy Director Generat for Regutetory Services and « Deputy Director
Genera! for Research, Development and Extension Services, wito, likewise, must both possess a
minimum experience of ten (10) years practice as a duly licensed Veterinarian

‘The Director Generat, and Deputy Directors Generai shall be appointed by the President of the
Phitippines, while, the Center Directors, Regional Directcrs and Director for Administrative
Support Services shall be appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. All personnel below the
Director and Regional Director tevels shalt be appointed by the Director General.



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Powers and Functions - The NLVSA shall have the following principal pow .rs through the
Director General or his duly designated representative:

Regulatory Authority. - The NILVSA shall have authority to regulate animal health, animal
welfare, animal production food safety and matters connected or pertaining to, but not limited 10
general sanitary measures, risk analysis, animal quarantine, diagnosis of diseases, animal feeds
and feed ingredients, veterinary drugs and biological products, and other pharmaceuticals and
products used on animals and the environment, animal facilities, equipments, devices and
cosmetics, veterinary research, animal production and international certification procedures

Technical Asvistance and Supervision, ‘The NLVSA shall provide technical training for the
capacity building and strengthening of livestock and veterinary services related functions of atk
national government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs). It shall exercise technical
supervision over veterinary offices and veterinary related functions of all national government
agencies and LGUs. This includes oversight authority to require mandatory notification and
coordination, submission of reports and other pertinent data regarding animal disease situations.
within the respective areas or jurisdictions of other government agencies und local government
units.

Assumption of Control. — The NLVSA is authorized, subject to the approval of the Secretary of
Agriculture and in coordination with the concerned LGU and regional officials of other agencies.
to assume full control and direction in the management of focal and regional outbreaks of
dangerous communicabie and zoonatic animal diseases, where the animal and/or human health
status of the country, as recommended by the hereunder described National Advisory Committee
on Anienal Diseases and Emergency (NAC-ADE), is in actual or imminent danger.

Visiturial Power — The NLVSA, through its duly authorized veterinary officers, upon presenting
appropriate credentials or authority 10 the owner, manager, operator, agent or any person within
the premises, shall have the power to enter and inspect anytime but following down time
requirements of livestock and pouttry farms and other animal establishments, conduct collection
of laboratory specimens and samples with proper description and receipt of those ken, und
when required by circumstances and as authorized by the Pirector General or his representative,
impose preventive and contro! measures therein, in coordination with, and as may be necessary.
subject to biosafety entry requirements of concerned owners and caretakers.

Declaration of Quarantine - The Director General through a written order of quarantine shall
cause the immediate holding or detention for thirty (30) days or for such 1. ager period. if
necessary, for observation and testing of animals, animal parts, products, and by-products, feeds,
feed ingredients, feed supplements and feed additives, veterinary biologics, drugs. products and
devices, and such other materials or substances which are found or deemed to be infected or
carriers of dangerous animat diseases.

Seizure and Confiscation — The NLVSA shall have the authority to seize and confiscate
animals, animat parts, products, and by-products, feeds, feed ingredients, feed supplements and
feed additives, veterinary biologics, drugs, products aad devices, and such other materials or
substances that are undocumented, o of unknown source ard conditions, and are showing signs
of dangerous animal diseases, or reasonably suspected (0 be infected with or carriers of
dangerous animal diseases, contaminated with toxic materials, or posing an imminent danger.
threat and injury to the overall animal health sitmation in declared disease-tive zones. areas or
compartments, and border posts of the country.

Animal Condemnation and Eradication Measures — The NLVSA shail have the authority to
institute condemnation and eradication measures on animals that acc discased or reasonably
suspected to be infected with diseases, and are deemed a great risk to the livestock population
and/or public health.

Call for Assistance - The Director General may call upon any government agency for any form
of assistance consistent with its powers, duties, and responsibilities for the purpose of ensuring
the effective and efficient implementation of this Act and che rules and regulations prumulgatcd
hereunder.

Subsidiary Legistation - The Secretary of Agriculture, upon the recommendation of the NLVSA
shall issue rules and regulations to implement and enforce the provisions of this Act.


10. Delegation — The NLVSA shalt have the authority to deputize local government and private

Section 8.

veterinarians to perform disease control, measures to obviate any animal welfare concems and
animal health matters for proper implementation of national disease control policies and
progsams at all leveis. The XG shall deputize Animal Welfare Officers from Non Goverment
Organizations (NGOs), citizens groups, community organizations aad other volur tec-s who have
undergone the necessary training and accreditation for this purpose. As such, the Animal Welfare
Officers shall have the full authority to seize and confiscate affected animals in violation of the
Provisions of the Act, subject to existing rules and regulation on arrest and detention.

Emergency Response —{n the event of natural and man-made disasters, the NLVSA shall ensure
the safety and protection of the animat population following the quick response ~Oplan Sagip
Hayop™ scheme.

The NLVSA shall administer and supervise the effective implementation of this Act and its rules
and regulations. It shall exercise such powers and perform such functions as may be necessary to
carry out its duties and responsibilities under this Act.

Organizational Structure — The technical, administrative, finance and support services of the
NLVSA shall be strengthened as may be appropriate and weessary to carry out effectively the
provisions of this Act. Various Centers shall be established under the NLVSA and cach Center
shall be headed by a Director, who must possess a minimum practice of five (5) years as a
veterinarian, with supervisory experience in any related field, Each cemer shall include divisions
which shall be headed by a division chief with minimum management experiesze of three (3)
years.

Center for Aaimai Health and Welfare - The Center shall be responsible for veterinary
epidemiology, animal disease surveillance systems, animal disease prevention. control and
eradication programs, risk analysis, herd health mangement, animal welfare and animal heakh
information.

The center shall have the following divisions: (a) Veterinary Epidemiology and Feonomics (b)
Animal Disease Control and Veterinary Public Health, (¢) Animal Welfare and (d) Animal
Health Information and Communication.

Center for Veterinary Quarantine Services — The Center shall be primarily responsible in
issuing import and export certifications and conducting pre- and post-border inspections and
monitoring, accreditation, quarantine, and if warranted ty biosecurity procedures. instituting
immediate seizure and/or confiscation of animals, animal parts, products, and by-products, feeds,
feed ingredients, feed supplements and feed additives, veterinary biologics, drugs. products and
devices, and such other materials or substances posing threat or harm to animat health. The
Center shall also be responsible for the maintenance of quarantine stations ano enfrrcement of
animal quarantine and welfare rutes and regulations in the various inland and ol.store shipping
routes of the country.

The Center shail have the following divisions: (a) Sanitary and PhytoSanitary Trade Facilitation
(b) Veterinary Quarantine Inspection and Monitoring, aad ¢c) Biosecurity.

Center for Animal Disease Diagnosis — The Center shall primarily conduct laboratory
diagnosis of animal diseases and act as a repository of data on disease diagnosis. It shall be
responsible for the management of regional veterinary diagnostic isboratories, inctuding the
monitoring of certified/accredited private animal diagnostic laboratories. This center shall also
be the National Reference Laboratory for Animal Disease Diagnosis.

The Center shal} have the following divisions: (a) Pathobiology, (b) Bacteriology &
Mycobiology, (c) Virology, and (4) National Animal Discae Diagnostic Laboratory Information
Management.

Center for Animal Feeds, Veterinary Products and Establishments Regulation — The Center
shall regulate the manufacture, production, importation, exportation, distribution, handling, sale.
offer for sale, transter, promotion, advertiyement, the use and testing af pre-mix’
food ingredients, feed supplements and feed additives, veterinary drugs. biolog. 2!
and devices and ali other types of veterinary products and establishments. It shalf fikewise
Conduct assays on the quality, safety, potency and efficacy of these products and veterinary drug

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residues in animal products except meat.

The Center shall include the following divisions: (a) Registration, Licensing, & Accreditation.
(b) Inspection and Compliance and (c) Laboratory Services.

Animal Genetic Resource Management and Improverient Center — This Center shall be
responsible for formulating policies and programs for sustainable animal genetic resources of
domestic animals. It shall prepare in consultation with various stakeholders the national strategy
and action plan for the use, development and conservation of animal genetic resources in
particular the native food snimals.

The Center shall have the foliowing di
(b) Gene Bank (c) Native Pigs (d) Ni

Horses,

Center for Animal Research and Product Development - This Center shall address the
national agenda for all researches on animat heatth, animal welfare and animal production food
safety and security in coordination, collaboration and consultation with international and local
agencies and stakeholders.

ions: (a) Breed Registry and Central Da.a Management
ive Poultry (c) Native Cattle, Goat and Sheep (1) Native

lt shall also be responsible for the generation of technology, technology adaptation and
demonstration necessary for maximum utilization of available resources in accordance with the
requirements of the national animal research, production and development agenda and shall also
serve as repository of all animal research and scientific information.

This Center shall have the following divisions: (8} Animat Production Research. {b) Veterinary
Product Research and Standards Development and {c) Animal Product Development.

Center for Livestock Trade Promotion and Development ~ This Center shall be primarily
responsible for the promotion of the National Agenda for the development and imp'ementation
of sustainable livestock business development, animal industry strategic manazement. animal
supply chain management, animal knowledge and information network. participatory
governance, animal market and post- production development and animal market infrastructure
and animal statistics and marketing intelligence, animal marketing, system programs and
activities,

The center shall have following divisions: (a) Livestock Business and Industry Strategic

Development (b) Market and Post-production Development (c) Socio-Fconomic and Marketing
Research.

Regional Livestock and Veterinary Services Offices (RLVSOs) — Regional Livestock and
Veterinary Services Offices of the NI.VSA shall be created at the regional level to be headed by
the Regional Director, who must possess a minimum expericnce of five (5) years as a
veterinarian. He shali be assisted by Chiefs of Divisio :s necessary in the performance of
regional operations.

All existing DA regional staff performing veterinary services and functions are hereby
wansferred to the RLVSO_

Administrative Support Services - The NLVSA shall be assisted by an Administrative Support
Services which shall be headed by Director and Regional Chiefs of Division, who must possess a
mainimuen management experience of five (5) years and three (3) years in any related field,
respectively. ICshalt have the following divisions or units, as maybe applicable, to wit: (a)
Assets and Finance, (b) Human Resource Development, (c) Property and Logisties Management
(d) Leyat Support Services, (e) Monitoring & Evaluation, (£ Ptanning & larernational Desh.
and (g) information and Communication Technology Management.

Chapter 1

CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICER, VETERINARY INSPECTORS AND
ANIMAL HEALTH TECHNICIANS

Chief Veterinary Officer. — the Director General of the NLVSA shail be the Chief Veterinary
Officer (CVO) of the country. He shall be primarity responsible in the formulation and
imptementation of national policies, strategies, priosities and action plans on animal health,

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animal welfare and animal production food safety. He shall also represent the country ia officiat
international dialogue on animal health matters.

The CVO shall coordinate and, as much as possible, establish linkages with allied government
agencies, the private sector and academe in the implementation of plans and programs in animal
disease prevention, control and eradication to ensure prompt mobilization of all essential
personnel and resources in the event of animal disease emergencies.

The CVO shal also endeavor to address current, recurring, new and prospective national issues
and concerns on animal health, animal welfare, feeds any animal food production safety and
security, with regional and global impact through the help of other allied government agencies
and stakeholders.

Veterinary Inspectors (V1) — The Secretary of Agriculture, upon recomm:sadation of the
Director General of the NLVSA, may by instrument in writing, appoint or deput: 2 veterinarians
as Veterinary Inspectors under this Act. The appointment of the Regional Veterinary Inspectors
shall be made by the Regional Director with the concurrence of the Director General. The
Director General shall prescribe the duties and responsibilities of the National and Regional
Veterinary Inspectors.

The services of the Veterinary Inspectors shall be entitled to incentives and overtime work when
the interest of the service so requires and the services performed outside of the office hours and
other expenses shall be chargeable to the parties served, at the rates to be prescribed by the
Secretary upon the recommendation of the Director General.

Animal Health Yechnician — a person who is authorized by the PRC w carry out certain
designated tasks in a country and delegated to them under the responsibility and direction of the
veterinarian, The tasks authorized for each category of <cterinary para-professional shall be
defined by the PRC depending on quatifications and training, and according to need.

Magna Carta for Public Health Workers- Veterinarians, Animal Health Technicians and other
veterinary personnel performing veterinary public health related activities emp inye ? under the
National Government. Agencies (NGAs) and LGUs are public health workeis and shall be
entitled to the provisions and compensations stipulated under RA 7305 (Magna Carta for Public
Health Workers).

Chapter IV

ADVISORY COMMITTEES

National and Regional Advisory Committees for Anima! Diseases and Emergen
existing National and Regional Advisory Committees on Animal Disease Control and
Emergency (NAC-ADCE/RAC-ADCE), which were created in the advent of emerging diseases
are hereby renamed and institutionalized in this Act as the National and Regional Advisory’
Committees on Animal Diseases and Emergency (NAC-/DE/RAC-ADE) under the Office of
the Sceretary of Ageiculture,

‘The Chairperson of the NAC-ADE shall be a duly licensed veterinarian of good standing in the
veterinary profession, a practicing veterinarian for at least ten (10) yeurs. He shi” be designated
as such by the Secretary of Agriculture from the cacommendation of the regula: aicmbers row
the private sector. The manner in the filling up of the members of the cammitiee shall be
prescribed and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture upon recommendation of the Director
General. The composition of the committee shall be updated from time to time and as may be
needed by circumstances.

Duties and Functions, - ‘he NAC-ADE. and RAC-ADE shall submit their recommendations
directly to the Secretary of Agriculture and perform the Sollowing dutics and functions:

Recommend policies and measures on the fallowing:


2 Risk analyses and import protocols, prevention, control, eradication an.’ monitoring of

economically harmful animat diseases including zoonotic diseases;

b. Procedures to be followed in times of emergencies, ¢.g., nationwide epidemic of food animal

and zoonotic diseases and during disasters, either man-made or natural;

c. Verification of reports on emerging Zoonotic animal diseases;

4. Support the CVO in sourcing funds from national and international funding agencies.

The NAC-ADE shall coordinate the activities of the various Regional Advisory Commitiee on

Animal Diseases and Emergency (RAC-ADEs) which is the regional counterpart and have

similar function advising the Secretary of Agriculture and the respective Regional Directors

(RDs);

3. Create sub-committees to address Special issues and concems of the NE.VSA and other agencies.

4. Assist in the review of policies, programs. and projects for the development of the National
Veterinary Services,

3. Assist in the evaluation of the implementation, efficiency and effectiveness of the programs and
projects of the NLVSA.

Section 17. National Advisory Commitiee for the Welfare of Animals (NACWA) ~ Uhe CA% created under
RA 8485 shall be renamed the NACWA which is a multi-agency/malti sectoral e. nraitiee which
shall be chaired by a representative from any of the private sector subject to the approval of the
Secretary of the Deparment of Agriculture. The Committee shall be responsible for the
formulation of rules and regulations for the strict implementation of the provisions of this Act
and RA 8485.

wp

The Committee shall be composed of representatives from the following ayency/sector:

a, Department of Agriculture

db. Department of Environment and Natural Resources

c. Department of Interior and Local Government

d_ Department of Education

e. Provincial, City and Municipal Veterinarians’ Leag:se of the Philippines
f. Philippines Veterinary Medicat Association

a. Non-Government Organizations

fh. Peoples’ Organizations

i, Academe

Section 18. Animal Feed Services Advisory Comminee (AFSAG) - ‘Ihe Animal Feed Comul Advisory
Committee (AFCAC) created under Republic Act No 1556, as amended by Presidential Decree
No. 7. which adopted into law Senate Bill No. 627, is hereby renamed Animal Feed Services
ry Committee with eleven (11) members, the composition of which shall be moditied to
add three more members, one legal representative from the NLVSA, one repzesentative from
the Legal Division of DA and one from the Philippine College of Velerinary Feed Practitioners

The AFSAC shall continue 10 exercise its functions in matters related to the animal feed
industry, except as provided in Section 66 of SB No, 627 hercof.

Section 19. Mandatory Review and Evaluation - The recommendations of the NAC-AD£, CAW, and
AFSAC shall be subject to mandatory review and evaluation by the Director General, before the
same are submitted for final approval by the Secretary of A sriculture.

Section 26. Ooker Advisory Committees — Other Advisory Committees may be created to assist the NI.VSA
in the impfementation of its varions programs and projects
Chepter V

LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS AND LOCAL
VETERINARY OFFICERS

Section 21. LGU Assistance and Cooperation - Local Government Units (LGUs) shatl assist and closely
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cooperate with the NLVSA in the implementation of the provisions of this Act, They shall
extend any available manpower, security, material and finacial resources to any national animal
disease prevention and control measures, animal welfare and other national programs being
undertaken by the NLVSA within their respective jurisdictions.

Section 22. Creation of Municipal Veterinary Positions — the position of municipal vete-iaran shall be

mandatory in all first class municipalities and optional in other municipalities.

Section 23. Responsibilities of Provincial, City and Municipal Veterinarians - (n addition to the duties of a

veterinary officer as provided in Section 489 of Republic Act No. 7160, also known as the
“Local Government Code of 1991”, it shall be the duty of veterinary officers as the case maybe.
to:

Ensure the implementation of policies, rules and regulations issued by NLVSA and other
coordinating agencics in accordance with the provisions of this Act and its related Jaws. rules and
regulations towards the enforcement of animal disease prevention, control measures and animal
welfare regulations.

Extend assistance, as may be necessary, to the NLVSA in the implementation or enforcement of
animal disease prevention and control measures, and snimal welfare within their area of
responsibility.

Comply with all reportorial and documentary requirements needed by the NLVSA in the
implementation of this Act.

Section 24. Issuance of Mayor's Permit — No 1.GU shall issue any Mayor's Permit to oj mz any farm,

Section 25. Allied Government Agencies — Allied government agen:

clinic, animal facility, kennel or any other veterinary establishment unless the owner‘operalor
has secured clearance from the provincial, city or municipal veterinarian attesting to the fact that
the establishment has complied with all the requirements prescribed under NLVSA rules and
regulations.

Chapter VI

ROLE OF ALLIED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND.
NON-GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

s that are performing veterinary
services and related functions shall comtinue to do so. The DG of the NLVSA as the aational
competent authority shall call upon other allied government agencies and academe in the
implementation of this Act

Section 26, Other Agencies and Sectors - The NLVSA shall establish agreements with orrer zovernment

sectors, private sectors, academe and other relevant agencies and stakeuolders in the
implementation of plans and programs in animal disease prevention, control, eradication and to
ensure prompt mobilization of all essential personnel and resources in the event of animal
disease emergencies.

Section 27. Responsibitities — All government agencies and private entities performing vetcrinany and

related functions shail cooperate fully with che Disector General or (CVO) and comply ‘with the
set policies and technical standards far veterinary services,

Chapter VIT
ANIMAL HEALTH, WELFARE AND ANIMAL PRODUCTION FOOD SAFETY

Section 28. Duty to Report Notifiable Diseases — Alll anicval and livestock producers, owners, operators,

farm managers, farm veterinarians, animal facility operators and farm consuitants who have in
their possession or care, animats or animal products infected or suspected 10 be infected, or have
teasonable grounds to betieve that the animas or animal Product is infected wh . Notifiable
Disease are duty bound to report to the concemed Loca! Government Unit — Veterinary Office or
to the NLVSA or to the RLVSO immediately within 24 hours by the quickest means possible.

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Section 30.

Section 31.

Section 32.

Section 33,

Section 34,

Section

Section 36,

Section 37.

Section 38,

Section 39,

Section 40.

‘These notifiable diseases are but not limited tw Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Classical Swine
Fever (CSF, Hog Cholera), Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAL), Newcastle Disease
(ND) or Avian Pest, Rabies, Anthrax and Hemorrhagic Scpticemia. The NLVSA shall provide a
complete list of Notifiable Diseases and their reporting guidelines which shall be updated from
time to time.

Proper Disposal of Dead Animals and Potentially Infective Materiajs —Ovad animals. manure.
and other potentially infective materials from regular operations of farms, clinics, animal
facilities shall be disposed in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations and guidelines
set by NLVSA.

Animal Disease Surveillance and Epidemiology — All agencies performing veterinary services
shall be responsible in monitoring animal disease situation by conducting regular surveillance of
the animal and livestock poputation in their respective jurisdiction and are required to report
periodically to the NLVSA.

National Registry, Animat Identification and Traceability of Livestack — A national registry of
animal facilities and establishments shall be established by the NUVSA, An animal identification
system shall also be developed to be able to uace the origin of each animal or groups of animals.
The NLVSA iu consultation with livestock stakeholders shail also establish farm classification
system in accordance with accepted standard and parameters

Mandatory Vaccination — To prevent. control, and eradicate emerging or re-emerging.
communicable and exotic diseases, all animals shall have to be vaccinated in accordance with
the implementing rales and regulations of this Act.

Emergency Preparedness — The NLVSA shall draft the National Emergency Preparedness and
Disaster Plans in response to animal health, welfare and animal products. food safety
Measures shall also be developed to mitigate the effect of climate change 11 the livestock
industry

Animal Welfare Practices - All animal producers, owners, operators, farm managers. farm
veterinarians, animal facility operators and farm consultants who have in their possession or
care, animals shall adopt and observe animal welfare regulations and practices.

Animal Health, Welfare and Animal Production Food Safety Information System - the
NVLSA shall develop a more effective animal health information system involving agencies and
other stakeholders on animal health, welfare and animat production food safety including
establishment of ao effective information network.

Risk Analysis — Principles of risk analysis shall be incorrorated in all policy formulation and
standard setting.

Veterinary Public Health - The NUNSA shall take the lead role in the formulation and
implementation of veterinary public health programs and activities particularly in the prevention
and control of zoonoses and food safety

Mandatory Engagement of the Professional Services of a Veterinarian — All animal
establishments such as but not limited to farms, 200s, kennels, apiaries, aviaries, livestock
markets, animal race tracks and cockpits shall engage the professional services of a veterinarian
based on minimum number of animals and other parameters to be prescribed by the NLVSA. in
consultation with concemed sectors.

farm Inspection and Certification — The NLVSA in consultation with stakcholders shall
establish standards and parameters on farm inspection and certification.

‘Chapter VILL
COMPENSATION TO SUPPORT DISEASE F RADICATION
Creation of a Disease Compensation and Eradication Trust Fund ~ A Disease Compensation

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Section 42,

Section 43.

Section 44,

Section 45,

Section 46.

Section 47.

Section 48.

Section 49.

and Eradication Trust Fund shall be provided for in the General Appropriations Act annually and
be held by the Authority. It shall not be reduced and shal] not revert to the General Fund even if
the same is not used for a current fiscal year. An initial amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos
{P 500,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated to start the seed fund for the Disease Compensation
and Eradication Trust Fund,

Fund Utilization - The Fund shall be applied for the payment of compensation 10 the owner of
animals. Tt shall also be utilized for the payment of expenses direcily connected with
controlling, eradicating or preventing, the spread of any animal disease that is notifiable or
emerging or re-cmerging, exotic and zoonatic including administrative expenses.

Coverage of Compensation - Only those animals that were stamped our pursuant to the
Depopulation Order issued by the Director General, as recommended by NAC-ADE and as
approved hy the Secretary of Agriculture, to prevent further spread of the disease should be
indemnified, Dead animals due to notifiable and emerging or re-emerging, exotic and zoonotic
diseases are not compensable,

Compensable Amount ~The amount of compensation payable shall not be more than Sixty Per
Cent (60%) of the market value of the identified animals that are ordered depopulated on accoumt
of a disease.

Assuance of Compensution Guidelines — Guidelines for the payment of compensation shall be
prescribed by the NLVSA in consultation with stakeholders.

Chapter TX
QUARANTINE MEASURES

Border Post Entry ~ The importation of animals, animal products, anima! by-products. animal
feeds and feed ingredients, veterinary drugs, biologicals, cosmetics and devices, and other
potential vectors of animal diseases shall be Subjected to close veterinary inspection. quarantine
and test as may be deemed appropriate and necessary, and examination of req. ‘ved documents,
such as, but not limited to (1) an Authority to Import duly issued by the NLV: A and secured
prior to the importation, and (2) a Veterinary Health Certificate and/or Sanitary Phytosanitary
(SPS) Clearance, or its equivalent, and such other documents as may be required by the NLVSA
to be obtained frum the proper authorities of the country of origin.

Release from Customs Zone - The Bureau of Customs or its representative shall not allow the
release of any article of importation that is subject to veterinary inspection, quarantine and
examination procedures unless the NLVSA or its duly authorized representative has issued @
Veterinary Quarantine Compliance Certificate or Lifting of Quarantine for the particular
shipment, as the case may be.

Prohibited Importation - No importation of animals, animal products, animal by-products,
animal effects and other related products (¢.g. fodder crop’, forage, etc.) shall be allowed from
countries known or declared to be infectod with a dangerous communicable animal disease ur
diseases which has been banned to export the said products to the Philippines and wisere there is
4 possible danger of spreading or introducing such disease or diseases into the Philippines by the
importation of such item. Alt in-transit shipments at the time of the occurrene of the foreign
disease or contagion shall be subjected to strict quarantine and Saborm--y testing. or
automaticafly denied entry and/or confiscation and disposal, and as the NLVSA may determine,
in the overriding interests of protecting the anima} and public health of the country.

Wildlife and Endangered Species — in accordance with Section 2 of Article 14 of the
Convention on Internationat Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) on effect ow domestic
legislation and intemational conventions, all kinds of wildlife that are subject to veterinary
quarantine regulations shall be under NLVSA jurisdiction.

Exportation Clearance or Certificate - No animals, animal nroducts, animal by-products animal
effects, animal feeds, veterinary drugs/products and biotogics shall be allowed to be exported

: 14


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‘Section 52.

Section $3,

Section $4.

Section $5.

Section 56.

Section 57.

Section 58

Section 59.

and loaded on board ships and airplanes or any vehicle unless (1) it is accompanied by a
Veterinary Health Certificate and/or Commodity Clearance duly issued by the NLVSA: and (2)
it has complied with the quarantine requirements of the country of destination

Transhipment- \n the transhipment of live animals, animal products, animal by-products. animat
effects, animal feeds, and veterinary products, all importer/shippers shall comply with the health
and welfare rules and regulations prescribed by the NLVSA.

Domestic Shipping — A1\ iniand and inter-island shipments of animals, animal products. animal
by-products, animal effects, veterinary drags and biologics from one province or region «0
another shall be accompanied by a Veterinary Health Certificate or Shipping Permit duly issued
by the Director General or his duly-authorized representatives,

Megal or Unauthorized Shipments - Shipments of animals, animal products, by-products,
veterinary drugs, biologics and feeds which are found to be in violation of this Act or rules end
regulations issued thereunder, or orders of the Director ‘Jeneral or his veterinary quarantine
officers shall be confiscated and disposed of in a manner prescribed by the Director General

Registration of Commercial Livestock Traders and Shippers - All commercial livestock trader
and shippers or handlers who are engaged in the inler-provinciai and regional
shipmenvtransportation of livestock shall register with the RLVSO in order to 1. aintain disease
frec areas and achieve safe, clean and orderly handling of commodities through the various
stages of marketing or distribution channels.

Prescribing Standard Operating Procedures for Veterinary Quarantine Services in all
Seaports und Airports - The NLVSA shall establish a standard operating procedure for the
Veterinary Quarantine Services at the different seaports and airports in the country

Rendering of Underguarding and Overtime Services - Veterinary Quarantine
Officers/Inspectors and other duly designated personnei are authorized to render underguarding
and overtime work when the interest of the service so requires and the scrvices performed
outside office hours and other expenses shalt be chargeable to the party or parties served at the
rates to be prescribed by the Director General and approved by the Secretary of Agriculture

Declaration of Infected Areas, Premises or Zones - \f the Director General has reasonable
grounds to believe that any premises, place or area is infected with a Notifiable Disease. he may.
by a written order, declare an area to be infected, In case of an outbreak of communicable
animal and zoonotic diseases, the Directoy General has the power to declare “n= ¢:ca, region.
Province or specific farm or establishment under quarantine.

Movement in Infected Areas - Movement of animals, animal products, animal by-products,
animal effects, veterinary drugs, biologics, and transport vehicles reasonably suspected to be
‘exposed or contaminated with a Notifiable Disease shali be restricted in areas, region. province
or specific farm or establishment that are dectared infected, unless authorized by the Director
Gencrat or bis duly-authorized representative. In the event of a disease outbreak, zones shall be
established to restrict the movement of animals between zones. Notices declaring the areas under
quarantine shall be posted in @ conspicuous place in the Municipal and/or Barangay Hall. as the
case may be.

Lifting of Order of Quarantine - Tae Director General shalt issue aa order titing the
quarantine where the areas, region, province or specific tarml or establishment declared (0 be
infected are eventually determined to be safe and out of danger from suck: infection. This shatt
authorize the resumption of shipments within the affected places.

Duty of Owner or Holder - A person who owns or is in charge of, or has in his c= her possession
oF control, an animal or animat product which the person has reasonable grour. s to suspect is
infected with 9 notifiable disease must as far as practicable, keep that animal or animal product
scparate from not infected animals or animat products.

Controtied Shipments — \t shall be unlawful for aay person co possess, administer or use
infectious disease agents, for scientific, laboratory or other purposes, unless duly authorized by a

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Section 62.

Section 63.

Section 64.

Section 65.

Section 66.

Section 67,

Section 68.

Section 69.

Section 70.

special permit by the Director General to handle hazardous materials.

Depopulation Order - The Director General or his duly authorized representative may, by a
written Depopulation Order require the stamping out of nealthy animals in declared infected
areas, premises or zones to prevent further spread of the disease.

Destruction Order - The Director General or his duly authorized representstive may, by a
written Destruction Order require the proper disposal of (1) any anirnal, anima: + resuct, fodder
which is infected, or reasonably suspected to be infected with 2 Notifiable Disease; (2)
confiscated expired, banned, unregistered, counterfeit, veterinary biologics, drugs and products.

Disinfection Order - The Director General or his duly authorized representative may. by a
written Disinfection Order, likewise, require the owner or person in charge or in apparent control
of an area which is infected, or reasonably suspected to be infected with a Notifiable Disease, to
clean and disinfect said area, including vehicles or any material found therein.

Disease-Free Areas - Declaration of any area as disease-free shall be made by the NLVSA
Director General upon the recommendation of concemed animal heaith authorities of said office.
The declaration of an area as disease-free shail be subject 10 the guidelines set by concerned
NLVSA.

Expenses of Quarantine and Authority to Auction - The owner, consignee or possessor of the
animals placed under quarantine shall reimburse the NILVSA for the expenses incurred during
the quarantine period of such animals. In case of his failure to do so after a Lifting Onder of
Quarantine has been issued and duly served upon him, the NLVSA shall tive the right to
auction off his animals to recover such expenses made.

‘Chapter X
QUARANTINE FACILITIES

Establishment of Veterinary Quarantine Stations — Toe NLVSA shall establish and maintain
Quarantine stations for the detention, treatment and observation of domestic animals in such
places as may be approved from time to time by the Secretary of Agriculture, and 10 place all
animals arriving from foreign and domestic ports or interior places in quarantine for such time as
he may deem necessary to prevent the introduction and spread of dangerous communicable
animal diseases.

National Veterinary Quarantine Station — The pasture res «rye known as the Government Cattle
Breediny/Grazing Reserve and Experimental Station at Busuanga and Coron, Palawan pursuant
to Proclamation No. 1387, dated February 13, 1975 and Presidential Decree No. 1593 is hereby
reclassified as alienable and disposable lands of the public domain and hereby reserved for the
National Veterinary Quarantine Station and Busvanga Stock Farm of the NLVS.".

Chapter XI
SPS FACILITATION & HARMONIZATION

International Harmonization - The NUVSA shall study and review nationat standards on
animal health, anim! welfare and farm feed and food safety, participate in international fora
relative to formulation and adoption of international standards and harmonize our national
standards with selevant international standards,

Certification Systems - The NLVSA shall is consultation with stakeholders develop cenification
systems including third party certifications on animal health, animal welfare, turm feed and food
safety products, services and production in accordance with national and international standards.

Equivalence and Uther Types of Sanitary Agreements - Tac NLVSA in consuhation with other
agencies and stakeholders shall develop, negotiate and implement appropriate leve! of protection
¢ALOP) in relation to human and animat life and health in its territory, based on the principle of
equivalence and other types of sanitary and trade agreements with trading part ers such as but
not limited to, the application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Measures of tie World Trade

. 16



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Section 71

Section 72.

Section 73.

Section 74.

Section 75.

Section 76,

Section 77.

Section 78.

Section 79.

Section 80.

Organization (WYO).

Transparency - he NLVSA shall have the responsibility to notify the OLE and/or the WTO SPS
Commitice of the country’s animal health, animal welfare and animal production food. safety
sanitary and phytosanitary status and other relevant matters and inform stakeholders on the
changes in the regulations and decisions.

Zoning - The NLVSA shail have the authority 10 apply fer recognition to the OLE the disease-
free zones and shall implement relevant measures and practices to establish and maintain these
disease-free zones as based on physical boundaries

Compartmentalization - The NLVSA shall establish and maintain disease-fre. areas within its
territory in accordance with OIE recoramendations.

Chapter XI
VETERINARY LABORATORIES

Certification/Accreditation - ‘The NLVSA shail be responsible for controlling the veterinary
Jaboratories in the field through the Center for Anima! Disease Diagnosis. Only duly certifi
laboratory facilities are allowed to do diagnostic services. The NLVSA shall develop guidelines
and standards in certifying/accredited various veterinary laboratory facilities and establish
quality systems towards their international certification

Biosafety and Biosecurity - Standards and guidelines for laboratory biosafety and biosecurity
shall be established and practiced by veterinary and feed analysis laboratories per national and
international recommendations.

Proficiency Testing — A system of quality assurance shail be developed and implemented to
ensure continuing proficiency and competency of certified/accredited diagne tx and assay
laboratories.

Chapter XIII

REGULATIONS ON ANIMAL FEEDS AND VETERINARY PRODUCTS

Implementing Rules and Regulations —\n consonance with RA 1556, as amended by PO No.
7. RA 1071, and Act 3101, the NLVSA shall provide the necessary rules and regulations on the
manufacture, production, handling, storage, sale and use of veterinary bivlogical products, drugs
and products, devices, mixed feeds, feed ingredients, fecd supplements, feed additives.
concentrates, base feeds, base mixes, specialty feeds, special feed nutrient preparations. other
feed products and their establishments which have to be followed and complied with for
registration

Registration and Licensing — Each class. type, brand or ade mark of veterinary biological
products, drugs, devices, cosmetics, mixed feeds, feed ingredients, foed supplements, feed
additives, concentrates, base feeds, base mixes, specially feeds, specia’ feed nutriem
preparations, and other feed products, inclusive of the establishments shai he registered
individuatly and shall be assigned separate registration numbers. A permanent Book of Records
On the registration number, codes assigned on each product and indicated therein the class, type,
brand or trade mark, technical description and manufacturer/importer of each product registered
shall be kept.

Importation of Animal Feeds, Veterinary Biologics, Drugs and Related Products — \mporiation
of Animal Feeds, Veterinary Biologics, Drugs and Related Products without valid SPS and
permits shall not be allowed entry. All in-transit shipments at the time of the occurrence of the
foreign disease or contagion shall be subjected (0 strict quarantine and laboratory testing. of
asstomaticalty denied entry and/or confiscation and disposal, as the NUVSA may determine. in
the overriding interests of protecting the animal and pubtic health of the country.

Warning and Temporary Revocation and Suspension of License or Permit ~ Failure of any
: 7



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Section 82

Section $3.

Section 84.

Section 85.

Section 86.

Section 87.

Section 88.

grantee of license or permit to comply with any of the requirements provided in this Act or its
implementing rules and regulations without justifiable or valid reason, as motu propio
determined by the Director General, shall be sufficient ground for the initial issuance of warning.
or immediate temporary suspension or revocation of such license or permit for not more than
sixty (60) days, subject to the institution of formal proceedings within the said period.

‘Chapter XIV
ANIMAL AND LIVESTOCK TRADE PROMOTION

Avimal Industry Market Profiles —The NLVSA shall maintain a database of national, regional
and local animal industry market profile to support in .he business development of animal
industries and allied industries and shall integrate marketing information and develop 2
knowledge management system of the different commoditics/industries from national 10 local
level.

Country Animal Products Export Strategies - The NLVSA shall formulate 2cuntry animal
products export strategies, conduct research and benchmark exporv/import protocols. prepare
industry analysis and reports of potential export market of the different animal food
commodities, and spearhead in the promotion of exportable products and by-products to improve
the performance of local agribusiness establishments producing these tradable products and by-
products.

Contracting and Subcontracting Arrangemeat — The NLVSA shall facilitate and coordinate
any coniracting and subcontracting arrangement between local and foreign investors, as
necessary to boost znd improve the animal, animal products and by-products export and local
trading performance of the animal industry stakeholders.

Export Incentives Programs- The NLVSA shall formulae and implement the guidelines and
Policies for the registration and certification of bona fide and eligible exporters and facilitate and
coordinate applicants and stakeholders that would like to avail the different export incentives
programs of the NLVSA, Department of Agriculture and other government agencies that are also
providing related services to stimulate international marketing of Phitippine-mau= products.

Livestock Business and Industry Strategic Development ~ The NILVSA shall formulate and
regularly update short, medium and long-term livestock business and industry strategic
development plan which will serve as guide and roadmap for the development of the different
industries in the livestock sector cut across the agribusiness supply chain.

Livestock Murketing Information System — The NLVSA shall strengthen the livestock
‘marketing information system through the development of database systems, printed and online
publications of marketing information which could be readily accessible to the input suppliers,
producers, marketers, processors, industry associations, government and other stakeholders.

Socio-cconomic and marketing research — The NLVSA shall strengthen the utilization of
social-economic and marketing research to maximize the benefit of the different methodologies
and strategies of these interdisciplinary researches for the sstained growth and development and
the trade promotion of the country’s animal industry’s products and services. considering the
social and evonumic factors that contributes to che increase in income, employment generation,
improvement af standard of tiving and quality of tife of livestock farmers, traders, processars,
consumers, and in incorporating the socio-economic impact assessment, as an inte grat part of
‘any project, program and policy impiementation by the NLVSA and DA on ihe different
industries/commodities.

Marketing information Governamce — The NLVSA shall support the development of
marketing information govemance to achieve a more transparent, cffective exchange and higher
coverage of marketing infarmation dissemination in a national scule, ¢0 boost the competitive
advantage, strategic and supply chain management of focal livestock farmers, waders.
processors and other relevant stakebolders, considering the different bilateral and multilateral
trade agreements in which the country is already a part of and continually complying with

‘ 18


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Section 89.

Section 90.

Section 91,

Section 92.

Section 93.

Section 94.

Section 95.

Section 96.

national commitments to efficiently compete in the local and in the international market.

Chapter XV
UTILIZATION OF GOVERNMENT FARMS

Private Sector Participation - The NVLSA shall maximize the economic potential of its various
animal stock and research farms for the benefit of the animal industry through joint government
and private sector initiative and participation in the utilization and development thereof.

Use of Government Lands for Quasi-Public Purposes - All lands of the government which
have been reserved, donated, leased or acquired for animal stock farms or breeding purposes are
hereby reclassified or allowed for quasi-public purposes. The Secretary of Agriculture upon the
recommendation of the NLVSA in coordination with LGUS shall have the authority to enter into
Joint venture agreements over such lands with private individuals, corporations and cooperatives
with the end in view of maximizing their full potential for livestock production purposes,
processing and marketing in achieving the accelerated development of the livestock industry in
accordance with the currently approved zoning ordinance.

Chapter XVI
PROHIBITIONS AND PENALTIES

Failure to Report Notifiable Diseases - All animal producers, owners, operators. farm
managers, farm veterinarians, and farm consultants who fail to report notifiable diseases to the
LGU Veterinary Office or to the NLVSA or to the RLVSO immediately within 24 hours by the
quickest means possible shall be fined for the first offense, the amount of Twenty Thousand
Pesos (P20,000.00) and for succeeding offenses, imprisonment of Ten (10) days.

The farm or establishment owner, transport operator, animal facility operator or any person
acting on his behalf who disobeys, evades, obstructs or hinders the NLVSA Director General, or
any of his enforcement officers or deputized officers to periorm his duty shall, upon conviction,
be penalized by a fine of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,000.00). A repetition of the same
offense shall be punished by imprisonment of Six (6) Months, and cancellation of the
registration, permit or license of such person, farm or establishment owner, transport operator
whichever is applicable

False Statements — Any person who knowingly makes false declaration or misleading statements
in his application for license, certificate of product registration or permit; claim or use of
recycled or counterfeit licenses, cenificate of product registrations, permits shall upon
conviction, be penalized by a fine of Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) and imprisonment of
‘Six (6) months.

Failuré of the owner to register vessels, vehicles, and equipment related to transport of animals,
animal products and by-products, animal feeds and feedstuffs, veterinary drugs. biologics,
devices and other products shall upon conviction be penalized by a fine of Ten Thousand Pesos
(P10,000.00) and/or imprisonment of Sixty (60) days.

Any person or establishment operator which (a) during the course of regular operation faily to
observe NLVSA approved procedures, or (b) during seizur:,, detention or quarantine fails o sock
clearance from N1.VSA on the handling, disposal, or destruction and rewovat of tive or dead
animals. animat products, animal by-products, animat effects, veterinary biological products,
drugs and devices, animal feeds and feed ingredients, shall, upon conviction, be penalized by 2
fine of Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) and imprisonment of Thirty (30) Day

Establishment operators/owners found without a valid License to Operate from NLVSA or
unlawfully using the registration number of another feed, veterinary biologics, drugs and
products establishments shall, upon conviction be penatized by a fine of One Hundred Thousand
Pesos (P100,000.00) and imprisonment of Thirty (30) Days.

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Section 97. Establishment operators found not displaying the Registration Certificate or displaying fake or
expired certificates in the premises of the establishments shall, upon conviction, be penalized by
a fine of Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) and closur of suid establishments for second
offense.

Section 98. Establishment operators engaged in the manufacture, trade, importation, distribution, use or sale
of banned, substandard, tampered, adulterated, deficient, unlabeled er mislabeled, unbranded or
misbranded, expired, repacked, unregistered or damaged through impro
veterinary biologics, drugs and products, devices, mixed feeds, ford ingredients. feed
supplements, feed additives, premixes, base feeds, base mixes, concentrates, speciaity feeds,
special feed nutrient preparations and other feed products, in any form shail, upon conviction be
penalized by a fine of One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000,00) and imprisonment of Thirty
(30) Days.

Section 99. Any person or establishment operator found guilty of tampering, altering, mutilating, destroying.
obliterating or removing the whole or any part of the labelling material packages and tags or
labels of veterinary biological: products, drugs and devices, mixed feeds, feed ingredients, feed
supplements, feed additives, base feeds, base mixes, concentrates, specialty feeds. special feed
futrient preparations and other feed products, in any form, shall be fined Oue Hundred Fifty
‘Thousand Pesos (P150,000.(40) and punished with imprisonment of Sixty (60) Days

Section 100. Any person or persons using unlawful veterinary drugs or human drugs approved (or veterinary
use on livestock, poultry and fisheries for human consumption beyond the limits set forth by
national standards, and establishments found doing so shall, upon conviction, be penalized by a
fine of Twenty Five Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00).

Section 101. Refusal of an owner or caretaker to have his animals yaccinated during outbreaks of notifiable
and priority diseases, emerging or re-emerging diseases and exotic diseases shall, upon
conviction, be ponalized by a fine of Ten Thousand Pesos (P 10,000.00) and/or imprisonment of
Ten (10) Days.

Section 102. Any person, officers of corporation, association, organization or establishment found to be in
violation of any of the provisions of this Act, or rules and regulations issued thereafter that are
not covered by the foregoing provisions shall, upon conviction, be penalized by a fine of Fifty
Thousand {P 50,000.00) Pesos but not more than One Hunared Thousand Pesos (P 100,000.00)
and/or imprisoament of Six (6) Months to One (1) Year, at the discretion of the court.

Section 103. Failure or refusal of any person, owner or caretaker or handler, operators. officers of
corporation, association, organization or establishments to comply with animal health and
welfare regulations and standards as provided herein or by the rules hereinafter set by the
NLVSA and the local government units shall , upon conviction, be penalized by a fine of not
less than P500,000.00 but not more than P 150,000.00 and/or imprisonment at the discretion of
the court.

Section 104. Exceptions under certain condition Nothing in this Chapter shall be construcd as requicing the
Director General to certify for prosecution any first violation of this Act whenever he believes
that sufficient compliance and public imerest will be adequately served: by a suitable written
notice of violation and waraing.

Section 05. Repeated Violation — Any person found to have committed a second violation of the sume
offense shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of the said offense.

Chapter XVI
REVOCATION AND SUSPENSION PROWEEDINGS

Section 106. Snstitution of Complaint - The Dicector General of upos the instance of any interested party
may file a complaint before the hearing committee for the formal suspension or revocation of
the license or permit duly issued by the NLVSA for viofation of its terms and conditions, or any
provisions of the rules and regulations applicable thereto.

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Section 107, Alternative Dispute Resolution - To Achieve speedy and impartial justice as provided under
RA 9285 known as the Alternative Dispute Resolution Act af 2004, The Director General shal!
issue the guidelines for the implementation of the NLVSA_ Dispute Resolution.

Section 108. Adjudication — in the event that ADR shall not be resolved 10 a favorable outcome for the
complaint, it shall be raised for adjudication.

Section 109. Hearing Committee - A hearing committee is hereby crested to hear ‘any complaint filed under
the preceding section. It shall be composed of at least throe (3) members. The Director
General or in his unavailability, the deputy head of the Center for Animal Products and Services
Regulation shal] act as Chairman with the Division Chief of the commodity concemed and any
other Division Chief of NLVSA, as may be designated by the Director General, as members
thereof,

Section 110. Powers and Functiony — The Hearing Committee shall have the following powers and
functions:

|. To conduct formal investigation and hearings on the cases before it and make recommendations
for appropriate actions thercon for approval of the Director Gener:

2. To administer oaths, issue summons and subpoenas requiring the attendance and testimony of
witnesses or the production of such books, papers, contracts, records, statement of accounts,
agreements, and other documents as may be material to a just determination of the matter under
investigation, and to testify in any investigation or hearing conducted in pursuance to this Act

3. To hold any person in contempt, directly or indirectly, and smpose appropriate penaltics therefor
ranging from One Thousand to Ten Thousand (P1,000.00-10,000,00) Pesos

4. To enjoin any or all acts involving or arising from any case pending before it which. if not
restrained forthwith, may cause grave or irreparable damage to any party or the covernment:

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The Committee shall use every and all reasonable means to ascertain the tacts, issues and
applicable laws, rales and jurisprudence in cach case speedily and objectively and without regard
to technicalities of law or procedure, all in the interest of due process.

In any proceeding before the Comumittee, the parties may be represented by a legal counsel. The
Commitice report when approved by the Director General shall be final and binding on the
Parties afler the lapse of fifteen (15) days from its date of reccipt by said parties. Subject to
execution pending appeal, any aggrieved party may appeal to the Secretary of Agriculture within
the same period.

Chapter XVLU
GENERAL PROVISIONS.

Section 111, Protection of Sensitive Technical Information - The NLVSA shall take such measure as may
be necessary in order to protect wade, industrial and policy information of industry
stakeholders, and researchers, when disclosure of such information will injure the
competitiveness or viability af their business.

Section 112. Regulatory Fees and Retention of Income

{The NLVSA shafl have the power to impose charges and fees for the services rendered subject
to the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture such as farm accreditations, licensing of
establishments, products registration, laboratory tests, Import Permic Fees, Export
Permiticommodity clearance fees, Issuance of Landing Permit Fees, Quarantine inspection
Fees, Feed and Veterinary Drugs and Product Production/Inspection Fees and the like which are
payable to the NLVSA. Special fee shail be collected from slaughtered animals based on a
collection scheme approved by the DA Secretary.

2. All income of the NLVSA shall be deposited in an authorized government depository bank as a
special regulatory fund. Any interest eared by such fund rhall form part of the retained income,

+ 21


113,

Section 114,

Section 115.

Section 116.

Section 117,

Section 118,

Such fund shall be used primarily for but not limited to the acquisition and expansion of offiee
and laboratory space, human resource development and expansion, purchase of laboratory
equipment and motor vehicles, the upgrading of its current facilities and equipment, and
maintenance, other operating expenses of the central and regional laboratories, and other
activities, services of the agency in the performance of its mandate and support enforcement and
monitoring activities.

The special regulatory fund shali be allowed to accept grants, donations and other endowments
from local and external sources in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations.

Any contribution, donation, bequest, subsidy or financial aid which may be made 10 the NLVSA
for the implementation of this Act shall constitute as an allowable deduction from the taxable
income of the donor/giver and shall be exempted from don-r’s tax.

‘The retention, use and application of this fund shatl aot be delayed, amended, altered, or
modified, or affected in any way by an order or directive from any executive office, but will be
subject only to the general accounting rules and guidelines by the Commission on Audit (COA).
The primary purpose of the fund as herein stated shall prevait over any other perpese that may
be pursued by NIVSA on its own initiative or through an order or directiva ty any higher
office. The NLVSA shall submit annually to the Secretaries of Agriculture and Budget &
Management a report on how funds were utilized including its accomplishments.

There shail also be established a legal fund out of the interest earned from the retained income
for use in case of legal actions against the officials, employees of the NLVSA in the course of
‘the exercise of their official functions and duties.

Disease Compensation Fund — The disease compensation fund shall be charged against the
appropriations of the Department of Agriculture. For the LGUs, the requirements shall be taken
from their Interna! Revenue Allotment (IRA).

|. Appointment of Veterinary Attackes — The Department of Agriculture shail strengthen the
international animal health, disease surveillance, and inf;rmation gathering capability by the
appointment of veterinary attaches in countries that are major livestock trading partners. In
other countries, the NLVSA, subject to the approval of the Secrery of Agriculture, and in
coordination with other government entities concemed, may require Filipino representatives
abroad and foreign- based personnel to assist in the collection of data on anim. health, disease
surveillance, and other related information.

. Foreign and Local Grants and Aids — The NLVSA, in itself, or in collaboration with other
agencies shall receive grants and other funds for its research activities and various programs,

Veterinary Education — The NLVSA in coordination with CHED and PVMA shall regularly
provide recommendations to make veterinary medical curriculum responsive to the needs and
imperatives of the animal industry.

. Mandatory Review. - The Congress of the Philippines shell undertake a mandatory review of
this Act at least once every five (5) years and as often as it may deem necessary. fo ensure that
velerinary policies and guidelines remain responsive to changing circumstances,

Chapter 10K
‘TRANSITORY PROVISIONS,

Implementing Rules and Regulations — The NLVSA shall promulgate the necwssary rates and
Tegulations for the full implememtation of this Act, Provided, however, that the tzcnulated rules
and regulations shall be submitted 1 both Houses of Congress for information and guidance
Such rules and regutations shall take effect upon publication in 2 newspapers of general
circulation aad submission of three (3) certified copies thereof to the National Administrative
Register of the UP Law Center.

Section 119. Creation and Rectassification of Positions ~ The NLVSA is hereby authorized w create,

upgrade, collapse or reclassify existing positions to veterinary and related positions necessary to
effectively implement the provisions of this Act.

: 2


‘Chapter XX
FINAL PROVISIONS

Section 120, Appropriations — The appropriations for the NLVSA included in the budget of the
Department of Agriculture under the cureent General Appropriations Act shall be used 10
effectively carry out the implementation of this Act. The appropriation may be augmented by
the income which the agency is authorized to use under this Act. Thereafter, such sums as
may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual Generat
Appropriations Act.

Section 121. Repealing Clause - Any provision of law or regulation inconsistent with this Act shall be
considered modified or repealed accordingly. However, the provisions of Act No. 3639,
Republic Act No, 8435, as amended, otherwise known as the “Agricuhural Fisher
Modemization Act”, Executive Order No. 292, otherwise known as the “Administrative Code
of 1987”, Republic Act No, 1556, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 7, otherwise known
as the “Livestock and Poultry Feeds Act”, Act No. 3101, Xepublic Act No. 1071, Republic Act
No. 1578, otherwise known as the “Livestock Promotion Fund”, Batas Pambansa Blg. 97,
Republic Act No. 8485, otherwise known as the “Animal Welfare Act of 1998, Republic Act
No. 9842, otherwise known as the “Anti-Rabies Act of 2007”, and such other laws which are
not consistent with this Act shall remain valid and in full force and effect.

Section 122. Separabitity Clause - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the other portions or provisions hereof, which are not affected thereby, shail continue to
be in full foree and effect.

Section 123. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afer its publication in the Official
Gazeite or in two (2) newspaper of generat circulation.