SUPPORT NEEDED. Five bills that support the strengthening and expanding of the country's livestock sector are now being proposed with the strong backing of the Department of Agriculture. DA Secretary William Dar said the country needs to secure food resources and one way to do this is to motivate livestock investors. (Photo courtesy of DA) MANILA - The Department of Agriculture (DA) has expressed its support for the passage of Senate Bill 139, known as the Philippine Livestock Industry Development Act, and four other bills geared to boost the livestock sector. In a statement on Thursday, DA Secretary William Dar said he is thankful for the efforts to help buoy the agriculture sector while citing other areas that needed attention. "With the right budget allocation and support from (the) government, the livestock industry will bounce back, contributing its share in total agriculture sector growth," Dar said. SB 139, authored mainly by Senators Cynthia Villar and Nancy Binay