Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has initiated a comprehensive review of a goat breeding program in Pangasinan, which was launched under the previous administration. This decision follows concerns raised by the Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the widespread death of goats purchased for the program due to 'inadequate feeding and nutrition' in 2024.

According to Philippines News Agency, the COA's annual audit report revealed that 52 out of the 101 procured Anglo Nubian and Saanen goats died, highlighting issues with animal care. In response, Tiu Laurel emphasized that the review will assess the 'technical viability' of the program and identify the resources necessary for its continuation.

The statement from the Agriculture Chief indicated that the review will determine whether the Department of Agriculture (DA) should revive, scale down, or terminate the program. The goats were intended to serve as breeder stock for high-quality ruminants at the Pangasinan Research and Experiment Center in Sual, Pangasinan.

In the interim, the DA plans to distribute the surviving goats to livestock farmers in Catanduanes who were affected by typhoons. Additionally, the 140-hectare facility in Pangasinan will be temporarily repurposed for the cultivation of high-value crops and the establishment of innovation hubs while the program review is conducted.