Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
4066

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Alfred Delos Santos

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Agriculture used to be one of the Philippines’ strongest sectors in the
economy. We prided ourselves with the ability of our farmers to compete in the
global market. However, present times show a completely different picture. What
used to be a robust agricultural sector now has given way to other sectors such as
the services and manufacturing sector. From exporters of products such as rice, we
now import rice to be able to feed our growing population.

But the agricultural sector should not be left to decline, in fact it may
present the solution to many of our economic woes. A boosted agricultural sector
would help us with food security issues. If agriculture becomes economically viable,
rural economies would undergo a drastic transformation. Farmers would no longer
have to venture into cities to find work, thereby reducing rural-urban migration.
‘This in turn would lead to decongested cities and reduce the pressure to create
more and more jobs in urban environments.

This is why we need to inculcate advancements made in agricultural
technology with our farmers. While there exist programs that already seek to
impart such knowledge directly to our farmers, its effects may be attained faster
and in greater magnitude if there is an assigned an expert in agricultural
technology that routinely aids and assesses each farmer’s yield and capabilities.

It is for these foregoing premises that approval of this bill is earnestly
sought.

/S SANTOS
Representative; Ang Probinsyano Party List


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4066

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Alfred Delos Santos

AN ACT
MANDATING THE ASSIGNMENT OF AN AGRICULTURAL TECHNICIAN IN EACH
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT AND ENHANCING THE OPERATIONAL
CAPABILITIES OF THE TECHNICIANS THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Agricultural
‘Technician Act.”

SECTION 2. Definition. - As used in this Act, Agricultural Technician or Agri-
Technician - refers to individuals who are trained in the hard sciences or
engineering, using such knowledge and skills in agricultural applications such as
production, processing, and research.

SECTION 3. Coverage. - All Local Government Units and the Department of
Agriculture are mandated to comply with the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 4. Assignment of Agri-Technicians. - The Department of
Agriculture, through their regional and local offices, is hereby directed to provide at
least one (1) agri-technician for each level of local government. Agri-technicians are
mandated to conduct research, maintain the various equipment and tools used by
farmers, and to craft recommendations to their local office to provide better
conditions for agriculture in their assigned area. Such office of agri-technician
cannot be concurrently held in conjunction with another public office.

SECTION 5. Supervision and Control. - The Department of Agriculture,
through their regional and local offices, shall exercise control and supervision over
the activities and outputs of the assigned agri-technicians per locale.

SECTION 6. Technical Support. - Each Agri-technician shall be furnished
with an appropriate vehicle such as but not limited to: motorcycles, tricycles, or
jeeps, to allow them to better carry out their functions. The issuance of such would
be subject to normal auditing rules.

SECTION 7. Appropriations. - The funds necessary for the initial and
continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.


SECTION 8. Repeating Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and
proclamations, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act, are
hereby amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,