SENATOR Cynthia Villar stressed high meat prices could lead to protein deficiency and malnutrition.

It could even affect learning outcomes.

She explained pork and chicken are integral components of the Filipino diet, helping ensure a balanced intake of nutrients.

“It is estimated that 52.0 percent of our protein consumption comes from pork and chicken, and this is projected to grow even higher to 58.0 percent in 2030,” said Villar.

Behind this, Villar sponsored a bill crucial to unlock the immense potential of the country’s livestock, poultry, and dairy industry, ensuring the sustainable growth and development of the agriculture sector.

Villar sponsored Senate Bill No. 2558 under Committee Report No. 193 or An Act Strengthening Livestock, Poultry, and Dairy (LPD) Industry Development and Competitiveness, Rationalizing the Organization and Functions of Relevant Government Agencies, and Creating a Competitive Enhancement Fund Therefore.

In filing the bill, the chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, and Food, noted the endeavor to advance the development and competitiveness of the LPD industry since it accounts for more than a quarter of the agricultural sector’s output in 2023.

“It stimulates economic growth, especially in rural areas, and provides livelihood opportunities to more than 2.8 million livestock and poultry farmers,” said Villar.

She cited findings of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development or OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment, that students from countries with higher pork and chicken prices tend to have lower test scores.

Despite its importance, Villar lamented that the LPD industry faces several challenges that hinder it from realizing its full potential.

“We know too well the effect of disease outbreaks such as the African Swine Fever, which has been afflicting our hog industry and decimating our pork supply since 2019. This has resulted in a significant increase in the prices of pork products,” emphasized Villar.