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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

DATE July26, 2022
TIME 1:46pm *

BY i
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NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _2353

Introduced by

HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ
and
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE YOUNG FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK CHALLENGE
PROGRAM, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE YOUNG FARMERS AND
FISHERFOLK CHALLENGE COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to engage the youth in pursuing a career in agriculture
and agri-business and actively participate in recognition of their crucial role in
nation-building as agents and partners for development.

To this end, the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Council is
sought to be created, composed of various national government agencies to
spearhead policy formulation and program implementation for the benefit of
the youth belonging to eighteen (18) to thirty (30) years of age, who are
engaged in farming and fisheries activities, and are included in the Registry
‘System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA).

Also, in light of the 2020 State of Food Security and Nutrition in the
World of the Food and Agriculture Organization which reported that the
Philippines recorded the most number of food insecure people in Southeast
Asia in 2017 to 2019, with 59 million Filipinos suffering from moderate to severe

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lack of consistent access to food, this bill seeks to support government
Programs towards improving food security through a whole of government
approach. National government agencies will likewise be engaged through this
legislation to improve accessibility to green jobs, opportunities for knowledge
and information enrichment, financial services, and land for the benefit of
young Filipino farmers.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

Rep. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ
Representative, Tingog Sinirangan

. ACIDRE
itive, Tingog Sinirangan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. _2353

Introduced by

HON. YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ
and
HON. JUDE A. ACIDRE

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE YOUNG FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK CHALLENGE
PROGRAM, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE YOUNG FARMERS AND
FISHERFOLK CHALLENGE COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS
THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of the Representatives of

the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Young Farmers
and Fisherfolk Challenge Act”.

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to recognize and engage the role of the youth in nation building and
rural development, providing for this purpose access to knowledge,
information and education, access to land, new sources of financial services
and capital, green jobs, access to new and niche markets, and participation in

policy dialogue.

Section 3. Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Program. -
There is hereby established a Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge
Program, hereinafter referred to as the “Program”, that shall support and

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‘empower the young farmers and fisherfolk to be active partners in food
security and agricultural development and modernization. The Program shall
encourage the youth to pursue a career or engage in activities related to
agriculture, ensure young farmers and fisherfolk participation in policy
formulation and program implementation relative to the agriculture sector, and
provide institutional support for agri-business and _agri-entrepreneurship
initiatives of the youth to fully realize their role as agents and partners for
development.

Section 4. Beneficiaries of the Program. - The Program is intended
to support young farmers and fisherfolk between eighteen (18) to thirty (30)
years of age, who are engaged in farming and fisheries activities, and are
included in the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA). The
Department of Agriculture (DA) shall update its existing database to reflect
these indicators.

Section 5. Creation of a Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge
Council. - There is hereby created the Young Farmers and Fisherfolk
Challenge Council, hereinafter referred to as the Council, to properly oversee
the implementation of the Program. The Council shall be composed of the

following:

(a) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) or a duly authorized
representative who is at least an Undersecretary, who shall be the
Chair;

(b) Representative of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) who
shall likewise be an Undersecretary;

(c) Representative of the Department of Education (DepEd) who shall
likewise be an Undersecretary;

(d) Representative of the Department of Science and Technology
(00ST);

(e) Representative of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);


(f) Representative of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR);

(9) Representative of the Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority (TESDA);

(h) Representative of the Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG);

() Representative of the Department of Information and
Communications Technology (DICT);

@ Representative of the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR);

(k) Representative of the National Youth Commission (NYC);

() Representative of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP);

(m)Representative of a national organization of young farmers'
cooperative or association, provided that the representative shall be
between fifteen (15) to forty (40) years of age;

(n) Representative of a national organization of fisherfolk's cooperative
or association, provided that the representative shall be between
fifteen (15) to forty (40) years of age;

(0) Representative of a farmers’ women organization or cooperative,
provided that the representative shall be between fifteen (15) to forty
(40) years of age;

(p) Representative of a national organization for agritourism;

(q) Representative of state universities and colleges (SUCs);

() Representative of private educational institutions (PEls); and

(s) Representative of a national organization for food, restaurant, and
business sectors.

The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF) shall serve
as its Secretariat.

Section 6. Powers and Functions of the Council. - Powers and
Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the following powers and
functions:


. Formulate the "Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Program”,
hereinafter referred to as the "Program," in consultation with
research institutions such as the Southeast Asian Regional Center
for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA),
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources
Research and Development (PCAARRD), University of the
Philippines - Los Bafios (UPLB) and other relevant State Universities
and Colleges;

. Develop, in coordination with various departments and agencies,
specific action plans for unambiguous tasking and quick
implementation;

. Create special programs for marginalized sectors such as youth
from urban poor, women, indigenous people, and the Bangsamoro
Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM);

|. Develop initiatives in new farm sectors such as "smart farming" farm
tourism, agro-, aqua-, and hydroponics, organic and boutique
vegetables;

. Identify relevant training and livelihood budgets in the different
departments and agencies, including start-up capital;

Implement the departments’ and agencies’ action plans, engaging
the assistance of the Local Government Units (LGUs) and
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK);

|. Identify the best practices in the implementation of the program as
well as emerging best practices in agriculture such as smart farming
and farm tourism in compliance with Republic Act No. 10816, or the
“Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016";

. Foster the formation of new ideas and technologies by assisting
agricultural enterprises of qualified young farmers and fisherfolk
entrepreneurs, pursuant to Republic Act No. 11337, otherwise
known as the “Innovative Start-up Act of 2018";

Initiate new packaging, promotion, and marketing events;


j. Ensure scholarships and subsidized tuition fees for young farmers
and fisherfolk in SUCs;
k. Package incentive and recognition programs/awards system for the

yout!

|. Participate in agri- and food tourism marketing events, nationally
and internationally;

m. Provide on-the-job training programs for young farmers and
fisherfolk in areas such as “green jobs", reforestation, coastal
management, fisheries, and other rural-based jobs, through the
DOLE’s Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and
other livelihood and training programs;

n. Establish linkages with agricultural representatives of the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and other
international farming youth associations;

0. Engage national and international leaders in formulating policies
directly addressing young farmers and fisherfolk concerns; and

p. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the implementation of this
Act as well as its impact on the participants and beneficiaries.

Section. 7. Access to Knowledge, Information, and Education. - A
whole government approach shall be utilized to inform and enlist young
farmers and fisherfolk in agriculture:

a. Role of the DepEd - The DepEd shall include at all levels, but
particularly in its K-12 program, elective subjects focused on
agriculture, such as garden farming, urban greening, reforestation,
and coastal management;

b. Role of the TESDA - The TESDA, in coordination with the DICT and
the DOST, shall add subjects in their training centers for agricultural
entrepreneurship, “smart farming", and other advanced farming

technologies, prioritizing programs focused on agriculture. The


TESDA shall also provide scholarships and subsidized tuition fees
for young farmers and fisherfolk;

. Role of the DOLE - The DOLE shall provide on-the-job training
(QUT) programs for young farmers and fisherfolk, including the
Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES);

|. Role of the CHED, SUCs, and Agricultural Schools - The CHED,
SUCs, and agricultural schools shall provide scholarship grants,
stipends, and subsidies to qualified young farmers and fisherfolk.
Likewise, the CHED, SUCs, and agricultural schools shall provide
schemes for distance, remote, and digital learning. The CHED shall
likewise encourage the private colleges and universities to provide
similar opportunities and schemes to qualified recipients. The CHED
‘shall include agriculture in its National Service Training Program
(NSTP) curriculum, such as garden farming, urban greening, and
coastal management. CHED shall likewise promulgate the policies,
standards and guidelines for agriculture courses which shall focus
on sustainability and the achievement of the Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs). Scholarships for post-graduate and
doctoral degrees shall be provided by CHED: Provided, That private
universities and colleges are also enjoined to provide the same.

. Role of the DA, ATI and PCAF - The DA, through the 4-H Club of
the ATI and the Agricultural and Fishery Youthrepreneur Council
(AFYC) of the PCAF, shall provide for scholarship grants and
stipends to qualified young farmers and fisherfolk, targeting specific
marginalized sectors such as women, indigenous people, and
persons with disabilities (PWDs);

Role of the DOST and DICT - The DOST and DICT shall develop
portals, utilize social media, and exploit other electronic
technologies, to publicize the Program; and

. Role of the LGU and the SK - The LGU shall inform and enlist the
‘SK who shall act as trainer-leaders to qualified and interested young
farmers and fisherfolk.


Section 8. Access to Land. - Short-leases, free land and agrarian
reform schemes shall be developed to provide access to land for young

farmers:

a. Role of the DENR - The DENR shall explore the possibilities of
extending short-term leases of public land to young farmers, provide
free or subsidized land for cultivation, and develop such other
packages as would allow young farmers to use available or
unutilized agricultural land. In coordination with the LGUs and SK,
the Department may also create lease-to-buy programs;

b. Role of the DAR - The DAR shall facilitate and expedite the lease,
distribution, and award of agrarian reform land to young
beneficiaries;

c. Role of the LGU and the SK - The LGU shall prioritize the lease and
acquisition of land for cultivation by young farmers. Further, the LGU
and SK shall distribute hillside or other under cultivated lands to
young farmers, for farming and other agricultural purposes;

d. Role of the SUCs - Whenever SUCs own or occupy excess
landholdings, young farmers shall be given first option to use and
cultivate such landholdings for agricultural purposes.

Section 9, Access to Financial Services. - Young farmers and
fisherfolk shall be provided financial assistance and given access to financial
services:

a. Role of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) - The LBP shall
develop favorable financial packages for young farmers and
fisherfolk, waiving collateral, salary, and other typical bank
requisites;

b. Role of the DA - The DA shall develop financial packages
specifically targeting young farmers and fisherfolk;


c. Role of the DTI - The DTI, through the Small Business Corporation
(SB Corp), shall extend loans to the young farmers and fisherfolk for
the trade and marketing of their agricultural products;

d. Role of the DOST, DICT, and DTI - The DOST, DICT and the DTI,
pursuant to Republic Act No. 11337, otherwise known as the
“Innovative Start-up Act of 2018," and other programs shall include
agricultural enterprises for qualified young farmer- and fisherfolk-
entrepreneurs in their incubation efforts;

e. Role of CHED and TESDA - CHED and TESDA shall provide
financial literacy trainings particularly in handling and managing
loans and grants;

f. Role of the Private Sector - The private sector is encouraged to
subcontract, partner, and extend financial grants, initiate social
partnerships and rural development initiatives, as well as mentor
young farmers and fisherfolk on livelihood strategies, as part of their
corporate social responsibility and other community participation;

g. Role of the LGU - The LGU, in coordination with the SK, shall
provide funding and livelihood opportunities to young farmers and
fisherfolk;

h. Role of the SK - The SK, using its ten percent (10%) Development
Fund, and other funds, shall provide entrepreneurial and finance
packages for young farmers and fisherfolk;

i. Role of the NYC - The NYG, in tandem with potential youth agri-
entrepreneurs, shall initiate donation and fundraising drives for the
Program, exploiting for this purpose online advertising, “crowd-
sourcing", and other digital means to generate funds for the
Program.

Section 10. Access to “Green Jobs.” - Young farmers and fisherfolk
shall be given priority in access to green jobs, as follows;
a. Role of the DOLE - The DOLE, through the SPES, shall include

“green jobs", reforestation, coastal management, fisheries, and

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other rural-based jobs, in cooperation with LGUs. The DOLE shall
prioritize young farmers and fisherfolk for employment in public
projects or private agro-industries and corporations. The
Department shall also offer retuming youth Overseas Filipino
Workers (OFWs) with a menu of possible investment projects where
they will be assisted in terms of proposal packaging, training, and
management assistance during the early stage, marketing, and
linking with government financial institutions (GFls) and investment
promotion agencies in case they qualify for fiscal and nonfiscal
incentives pursuant to R.A. No. 11534 or the Corporate Recovery
and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act;

. Role of the TESDA - The TESDA shall develop on-the-job trainings,
job fairs, employment bridging initiatives, and private partnerships
in producing, processing, packaging, and marketing youth
products;

. Role of the DOT - The DOT shall prioritize the employment of young
farmers and fisherfolk in eco- and agro-tours, and encourage youth
entrepreneurship in farm and fishery tourism;

|. Role of the PEZA - The PEZA shall prioritize young farmers and
fisherfolk for jobs in agro-industrial ecozones, provide access to
modern farm technology, promote linkages in agriculture-related
enterprise, and accelerate the creation of "green jobs" for young
farmers and fisherfolk;

.. The DA and the ATI - The DA, particularly the 4-H Club of the ATI,
shall provide jobs and embark upon farming start-ups in new and
niche agricultural sectors such as organic farming, agroponics,
aguaponics, hydroponics, dairy, livestock, coffee, cacao, and other
areas of farming and fishing. The DA and ATI shall also create
opportunities for youth leaders to harness their leadership skills
especially during the international month for youth.

W


Section 11. Access to Markets. - Young farmers and fisherfolk shall
have access to markets through the following:

a. Role of the DTI - The DTT shall assist young farmers and fisherfolk
in the packaging, marketing, and promotion of their products,
including branding, advertising, and subsidizing their participation in
trade fairs and exhibits;

b. Role of the LGU - The LGU shall provide subsidized rental rates for
public retail areas and public markets, encourage agricultural
tourism, and develop other opportunities for young farmers;

c. Role of the Department of Tourism (DOT) - The DOT shall promote
the products of young farmers and fisherfolk through tourism
conventions, events, and other tourist souvenir sales opportunities;

d. Role of the Private Sector- The private sector is encouraged to
market and promote the products of young farmers and fisherfolk,
as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and other
development efforts;

e. Role of the Media - The media shall promote and advertise the
products of the young farmers and fisherfolk and the Program.

Section 12. Engagement in Policy Dialogue. - The young farmers and
fisherfolk are encouraged to participate in policy dialogues, as follows:

a. Role of the NYC - The NYC shall ensure that young farmers and
fisherfolk are represented in all decision-making bodies relating to
the establishment of mechanisms for the promotion and protection
of the rights of young farmers and fisherfolk;

b. Role of the SK - The SK, through local and Congressional youth
representatives, shall liaise with the Local Government Leagues and
the Congress of the Philippines to consult and engage young
farmers and fisherfolk in policy making;

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c. Role of the DA - The DA shall ensure that young farmers and
fisherfolk are equitably represented and consulted in its decision-
making process to fully realize the young farmers’ and fisherfolk's

role as agents and partners for national development.

Section 13. Waiver of Government Fees and Charges. - Subject to
the exceptions provided in Sec. 8 of Republic Act No. 11261, otherwise known
as the "First-Time Jobseekers Assistance Act", all government agencies and
instrumentalities, including government-owned and controlled corporations
(GOCCs), LGUs, and government hospitals shall not collect fees or charges
from any young farmer and fisherfolk. Provided, That such fee or charge is paid
in connection with the application for and the granting of licenses, proofs of
identification, clearances, certificates, or other documents usually required in
the course of employment locally or abroad. Provided further, That the benefit
provided shall only be availed of once.

Section 14. Annual Report. - The Council shall submit to the President
and to both Houses of Congress, not later than the 30th of March of every year
following the effectivity of this Act, a report giving a detailed account on the
effective implementation of this Act, and recommended legislation where
applicable and necessary.

Section. 15. /mplementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety
(90) days from the effectivity of this Act, the DA and DAR, in coordination with
the DOST, DICT, DOLE, DENR, DepEd, CHED, LBP, and NYC, shall issue the
necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act, which shall
include the creation of a database of youth involvement and interventions
provided by government agencies, a special desk for the youth, and an
aggressive communication plan to upscale youth involvement.

Section 16. Appropriations. - The amount needed to initially
implement the provisions of this Act shall be charged against the

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appropriations of the current year of the concerned departments and
agencies. Thereafter, such sums, as may be necessary for its continued
implementation, shall be included in the appropriation of the concerned
departments and agencies in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Section 17. Separability Clause. - \f any portion or provision of this
Act is declared unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not
affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 18. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and
regulations or parts thereof that are inconsistent with any of the provisions of
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 19. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15)
days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official

Gazette, whichever comes first.

Approved,