Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 10) — Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, scolded Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) officials for approving the importation of meat despite enough local supply.
During the hearing of the panel on Monday, Villar said excessive importation was killing the local industry.
“We reviewed the local production and the local demand. Parang hindi justified ‘yung importation kasi meron binigay na figure ang PSA (Philippine Statistics Authority) na local production,” she added.
Data from the BAI showed that in 2021, the total local demand for pork is 1.73 million kilograms, while the PSA said local production was projected at 1.69 million kg. The country, however, imported 724,532 kg, which resulted in a surplus of 686,881 kg of pork in 2022.
Villar asked BAI officials why the agency approved the importation of meat if there was ample supply.
BAI officer-in-charge Paul Limson defended the bureau’s actions.
“Madam Chair, ‘yung importation kasi ang client po ang nagla-lodge so wala po kaming direct control kung gaano karami o gano po ka-frequent,” he said.
Limson’s answer ticked off Villar.
“I just want to ask the director of the BAI. Sino nagturo sa’yo na basta magi-import kung may gusto mag-import? Wala kang pakialam, magi-issue ka ng import permit. Sino nagturo niyan sa’yo? Ngayon ko lang nadinig ‘yan,” Villar said.
[Translation: I just want to ask the director of the BAI. Who taught you that it’s okay to import whenever there are requests to import? You seem not to care, you just issue an import permit. Who taught you that? I’m only hearing of this now.]
According to Limson, he only followed policies in place when he was appointed to his position last year.
His answer further irked the senator.
“Di ba common sense ‘yon? Bakit ganyan ang mentality mo? Wag kang gaganyan sa akin. Bakit mo tinanggap ang posisyon hindi mo pala mahal ang livestock industry ng Pilipinas? May doctorate degree ka, wala kang common sense?” Villar said.
[Translation: Isn’t that common sense? Why is your mentality this way? Don’t say that to me. Why did you accept the position if you don’t love the Philippine livestock industry? You have a doctorate degree, but you don’t have common sense?]
Later on, she demanded that BAI officials resign from their posts if they continue to do what they’ve been doing, citing its impact on local farmers.
After the discussion, Villar proposed at least ₱10 billion in annual funding to develop local livestock and poultry farming. This is in connection to the Senate’s measures on reducing dependence on importation.
Senate Bill 119, which is authored by Villar, seeks to develop the livestock sector, citing the huge volume of meat and dairy products imported by the Philippines every year.
Government statistics presented during the hearing said import duties and taxes collected from meat and dairy products sourced overseas in 2020 reached roughly ₱12.5 billion.
“We have an idea. Its minimum is ₱10 billion a year,” Villar said, drawing an estimate for the proposed funding.
