NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
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SENATE
S. No. 2904
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
REVERTING TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT THE DISCHARGE OF BASIC 
AGRICULTURAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES DEVOLVED TO LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS AND AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 
1991
EXPLANATORY NOTE
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 
agriculture, which encompasses four sub-sectors, namely, crops, livestock, poultry, 
and fisheries, is the main source of livelihood for 25-30% of the Philippine labor force, 
and contributes about 10% to the gross national product. It is a significant pillar of 
the Philippine economy, ensuring the country's food security.
Recognizing the importance and potential of the agriculture industry. Republic 
Act No. 8435 otherwise known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act of 
1997 was enacted, charging the Department of Agriculture with the formulation and 
implementation of a comprehensive modernization plan focusing on food security, 
poverty alleviation and social equity, income enhancement and profitability for farmers 
and fisherfolk global competitiveness, and sustainability.
Under the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991, agricultural support, 
extension, and on-site research services and facilities were devolved to the local 
government units. Years after the enactment of the LGC, studies from the agriculture 
and economy experts, namely. Dr. Leonora Manero and Dr. Cielo Magno, assessing 
the devolution of said agricultural sector functions revealed issues such as lack of


funds and varying needs at the local government levels resulting in varying standards 
for agricultural productivity and inconsistent implementation of agricultural policies 
and programs. A 2020 study by U.P. Los Banos Professor, Dr. Dario Cidro assessing 
the devolution of agricultural extension likewise identified the following problems, 
among others: inability to discharge functions of extension workers probably due to 
lack of funding, partisan politics and political interference, and in some cases, lack of 
support from the local chief executives.
Cognizant of the issues that have plagued the agriculture sector for so long. 
Senate President, Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero renewed his interest to push for 
the renationalization of agricultural services and facilities.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
l^lNHdOD C. PADILLA
/ Senator


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
2r Oi:n 1n PI-;
SENATE
S. No. 2904
Introduced by Senator Robinhood Padilla
AN ACT
REVERTING TO THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT THE DISCHARGE OF BASIC 
AGRICULTURAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES DEVOLVED TO LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT UNITS AND AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT 
NO. 7160, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT CODE OF 
1991
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled:
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Section 1. Section 17 of Republic Act. No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local
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Government Code of 1991, is hereby amended to read as follows:
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"Section 17. Basic Services and Facilities. -
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(a) XXX
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(b)Such basic services and facilities include, but are
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not limited to, the following:
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(l)For Barangay:
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[(i) Agricultural support scrviCGG which
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include—planting—materials—distribution
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system and operation of farm produce
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collection and buying stations;]
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XXX
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(2) For Municipality:
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[(i) Extension and on site research services
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and facilities related to agriculture and
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fishery activities which include dispersal of
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livestock and poultry, fingerlings, and other


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SGGdIing materials for aquaculture; palay,
corn, and vegetable seed farms; medicinal
plant gardens; fruit tree, coconut, and other
kinds of seedling nurseries; demonGtration
farmsj—quality—controi—©f—copra—arid
improvomeat- and development of local
distribution channels, preferably through
cooperatives;-----interbarangay---- irrigation
system; water and soil resource utilization
and conservation projects; and enforcement
of fishery laws in municipal waters including
the conservation of mangroves;]
XXX
(3) For a Province:
[(t^—Agriculturai—extension—and—on site
research services and facilities which include
the prevention and control of plant and
animal pests and diseases; dairy farms,
livestock markets, animal breeding stations,
and artificial insemination centers; and
assistance in the organization of farmers
and fishermen's cooperatives, and other
collective organizations, as well as the
transfer of appropriate technology;]
XXX
Costs may also be charged for the delivery of basic 
services or facilities enumerated in this Section."
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Sec. 2. Renationalization of Devolved Agricultural Services and Facilities- The
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devolution of the following basic services and faciiities are withdrawn from the local
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government units and is reverted to the National Government, through the
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Department of Agriculture:


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(a) Agricultural support services which include planting materials 
distribution system and operation of farm produce collection and buying 
stations;
(b) Extension and on-site research services and facilities related to 
agriculture and fishery activities which include dispersal of livestock and 
poultry, fingerlings, and other seedling materials for aquaculture; palay, 
corn, and vegetable seed farms; medicinal plant gardens; fruit tree, 
coconut, and other kinds of seedling nurseries; demonstration farms; 
quality control of copra and improvement and development of local 
distribution channels, preferably through cooperatives; inter-barangay 
irrigation system; water and soil resource utilization and conservation 
projects; and enforcement of fishery laws in municipal waters including 
the conservation of mangroves; and
(c) Agricultural extension and on-site research services and facilities which 
include the prevention and control of plant and animal pests and 
diseases; dairy farms, livestock markets, animal breeding stations, and 
artificial insemination centers; and assistance in the organization of 
farmers and fishermen's cooperatives, and other collective 
organizations, as weil as the transfer of appropriate technology.
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Sec. 3. Personnel and Properties Previously Transferred to the Local
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Government Units. - All personnel, technicians, facilities and properties previously
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transferred to the Barangay, Municipalities, Provinces and Cities shali be transferred
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back to the National Government.
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Sec. 4. Appropriations. - The funds necessary to cover the implementation of
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these amendments should be appropriated for agriculture and shall be provided for in
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the General Appropriations Act.
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Sec. 5. Assessment of the Renationaiization Set-up. -The National Agricultural
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and Fishery Council, in consultation with concerned sectors in the field, shall Identify


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the problems of the industry under the renationalization set-up and recommend
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measures to enhance agricultural productivity.
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Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
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unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and
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subsisting.
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Sec. 8. Repealing Clause.— Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive
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order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to or
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inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended
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accordingly.
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Sec. 9. Effectivity.— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in any two (2) newspapers of general circulation
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in the Phiiippines.
Approved,