DA, FDA strengthen vaccine regulation amid ASF resurgence in Cotabato

DAVAO CITY (May 23)—In a concerted effort to bolster animal health and safeguard national food security, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have intensified their collaboration on vaccine regulation and availability. This initiative aims to combat transboundary diseases such as African Swine Fever (ASF) and Avian Influenza (AI), which severely impact the country’s livestock and poultry sectors.

On May 19, 2025, DA Undersecretary for Livestock Dr. Constante J. Palabrica met with FDA Director General Paolo S. Teston at the Bureau of Animal Industry in Quezon City. The meeting focused on enhancing inter-agency coordination to ensure the efficient regulation and distribution of veterinary vaccines.

“Strengthening coordination between the DA and FDA is a step toward more efficient vaccine regulation, which is critical to maintaining animal health and ensuring the resilience of the livestock industry,” said Usec. Palabrica.

The collaboration follows the approval of the country’s first ASF vaccine on July 30, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the fight against the disease. Through the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), the DA will lead the testing and evaluation of animal vaccines. At the same time, the FDA will oversee post-marketing surveillance and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

This renewed partnership comes at a critical time, as Cotabato Province grapples with a resurgence of ASF. The province, which first reported ASF cases on July 8, 2020, has experienced multiple outbreaks. In August 2024, the province faced its third wave, affecting thousands of pigs across 49 barangays in Kidapawan City and nine other towns, including M’lang, Matalam, Makilala, Antipas, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Tulunan, President Roxas, Kabacan, and Arakan.

The ASF outbreaks have inflicted significant economic losses on Cotabato’s hog industry, estimated at PHP 16 million in 2020 alone.

In response, the provincial government has implemented stringent measures, including establishing quarantine stations and culling infected animals, to contain the spread of the disease.

The DA and FDA’s intensified coordination aims to expedite the availability of safe and effective vaccines, providing much-needed relief to affected regions like Cotabato. By ensuring a robust regulatory framework and facilitating vaccine distribution, the agencies hope to restore stability to the livestock sector and protect the livelihoods of Filipino farmers.