The Department of Agriculture (DA) has officially announced a significant shift in regulatory responsibilities, moving key functions from the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) to its own specialized agencies. This major restructuring, revealed on Friday, November 28, 2025, is a direct result of the recently enacted Republic Act 12308, also known as the Animal Industry Development and Competitiveness Act.
What Functions Are Being Transferred?
The redistribution of power places specific sectors under new management to enhance industry focus. The Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) will now take charge of all matters concerning veterinary drugs, products, biologics, and other animal health products and devices. This jurisdiction was previously held by the FDA.
Concurrently, the National Dairy Authority (NDA) has been granted full regulatory authority over the entire dairy sector. This comprehensive mandate includes the critical tasks of testing and accrediting local dairy products, as well as overseeing the entire production chain from the farm to the post-market distribution phase.
Timeline and Transition for Pending Applications
A clear transition plan has been established to ensure a smooth handover. The FDA will continue to process all applications that were officially filed before October 28, 2025. Any cases that remain pending by April 25, 2026, will be transferred to the respective agencies—either the BAI or NDA—for final adjudication.
It is important for stakeholders to note that all permits and licenses issued by the FDA will remain valid until their original expiration dates. For any new applications submitted after the October 28 cutoff, businesses and individuals must now direct them to the BAI or the NDA for processing.
Implications for Fees and Industry Stakeholders
In the immediate term, the current schedule of fees will stay in effect. However, the DA has indicated that its attached agencies may revise these fee structures in the future. Any such changes will not be implemented arbitrarily; they will follow a process of public consultation, allowing industry players to provide input.
This strategic move is designed to streamline regulatory processes, foster development, and boost the competitiveness of the Philippines' animal industry and dairy sector under more specialized oversight.
