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RepublicoftLephilippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
House Bill N£045
Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirino
0   MAY   2023
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AN ACT I]STABLISHING THE YOUNG FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK CHALLENGE
PROGRAM, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE YOUNG FARMERS AND
F[SHHRFOLK CHALLENGE COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
A  previous  stLrdy  by  the  World  Food  Programme  revealed  that  one  out  of ten  households  im  the
Philippines are food insecure, and that households that rely on agricultural livelihoods are more food
insecure  with  a  rate  of 25%`.  Looking  a  the  other  component  to  this,  the  number  of Filiipinos
employed  in the agriculture  sector has decreased by  511,000  workers,  from 9.73  million  in July to
9.22  million  in October2.  Additionally,  Philippine  farmers and  fisherfolk have remained the poorest
since 2006, with farmers experiencing a poverty incidence of 31.6% and fishers with 26.2% in 2() 183.
This  bill  establishes  a  Young  Farmers  and  Fisherfolk  Challenge  Program  that  shall  support  and
empower   young   farmers   and   fisherfolk   to   be   active   partners   in   food   security,   agriciLltural
development, and modemization. The Program shall encourage the youth to pursue a career or engage
in  activities  related  to  agriculture,  ensure  young  farmers  and  fisherfolk  participation  in  -r]olicy
fomulation and program implementation relative to the agriculture  sector, and provide  institutional
support for  agri~business  and  agri-entrepreneurship  initiatives  of the  youth  to  realize  their  rt]le  as
agents and paithers for {levelopment fully.
This  bill   also   creates   the  Young   Farmers   and   Fisherfolk  Challenge   Council.   The  Council   is
empowered,  among  others,  to   identify  and  streamline  access  to  relevant  capacity-building  and
livelihood programs aci.oss the different departments and agencies of government,  including cm-the-
job training, job fairs, employment in farm tourism and agro-industrial zones, and other employment-
bridging initiatives.
The powers  also  include the Council's  ability to  ensure  scholarships  and  subsidized tuition  fees  for
young  famers  and  fisherfolk  in  state  universities  and colleges  (SUCs).  Similarly,  the Council  can
I    World   Food   Programme.   2022.    "Food   Security   Monitoring   -   October   2022."December    12,    2022.
Ftt8:;:/trETo:E;°rg:cu,:::ca2t;°2n2S./Y.fppiphi]#jsne%-::t:i:S::n;ttyy-:man;t{°crjrtg::ct,°obber-f::s2.aworryingTrend.O.
INQUIRER.net.  INQUIRER.net.  December  8,  2022.  https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/ 1703034/for-posting-edited-
Ph-farms-getting-empty-agriculture-job-loss-a-wolTying-trend.
Canlas,  Jhomai.  2021.  "DA-SAAD's Contribution  to  Philippine's  Poverty  Reduction:  An Analysis."  S,pecial
£irea for Agricultural  Development. January  14, 2021. https://saad.da.gov.ph/2021/01 /da-saads-contributi on-to-
philippines-poverty-reduction-an-analysis.


provide on-the-job training programs for young farmers and fisherfolk in areas such as "green jiobs,"
reforestation, coastal management, fisheries, and other rural-based jobs, through the DOLE's Si)ecial
Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and other livelihood and training programs. Hence, this
representation seeks the passage of this measure.
This   measure   previously   passed   the   third   reading   in   the   18th   Congress.   It   was   proposed  by
Representatives Juan Miguel Macapagal Arroyo, , Luis Raymund "Lray" F. Villafuerte, Jr., Manuel
D. Cabochan, Ill, Christopher V.P. De Venecia, "Kuya" Jose Antonio R.  Sy-Alvarado, Anna Marie
Villaraza-Suarez,  David  "Jay-Jay"  C.  Suarez,  Sharon  S.  Garin,  Alfred  Vargas,  John  Marvin  "Yul
Servo" C. Nieto, Edward Vera Perez Maceda, Dale "Along" R. Malapitan, Alfred C. Delos S{mtos,
Aleta C. Suarez, Erie G. Yap, Rosanm "Ria" Vergara, Allan Benedict S. Reyes, Geraldine 8. R{>man,
Joy Myra Sal`Jador-Tambunting, Deogracias Victor "DV" 8. Savellano, Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo,, Rico
8.  Geron,  Carlos  0.  Cojunngco,  Greg G.  Gasataya,  Sharee Arm  T.  Tan, Marlyn  "Len" 8.  Alonte,
Manuel Jose "Manmix" M. Dalipe, Raul V. Del Mar, Domingo C. Rivera, Kristine Singson-Meehan,
Eduardo   "Bro.   Eddie"   C.   VilLanueva,   Estrellita   8.   Suansing,   Argel   Joseph   T.   Cabatbat,,   Gil
"Kabarangay Jr" S. Acosta, Eufemia "Ka Femia" C. Cullamat, Joselito "Joel" S. Sacdalan, Isagani S.
Amatong, Eddiebong G. Plaza, Joseph "Jojo" L. Lara, Alfel M. Bascug, Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr., Noel
L.  Villanueva,  Henry  R.  Villarica,  Christian  S.  Unabia,  Rudys  Cesar  G.  Farifias,  I,  Conradio  M.
Estrella, Ill, Ramon "Mom-Mom" V. Guico, Ill, Carl Nicolas C. Cari, Micaela S. Violago, Virg,ilo S.
Lacson,  Lorenz  R.  Defensor,  Florencio  G.  Noel,  Jose  Francisco  "Kiko"  8.  Benitez,  Leonardo  L.
Babasa, Jr., Samantha Louise Vargas Alfonso, Faustino "Inno" A. Dy, V, Faustino Michael Carlos T.
Dy, Ill, Jose "Jun" L. Ong, Jr., Maricel G. Natividad-Nagafio, MD., Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Amie
8.  Fuentebella,  lan Paul  L.  Dy,  Manuel F.  Zubiri,  Jonathan Keith T.  Flores, Femando T.  Cattredo,
Resurreccion  M.  Acop,  Antonio  "Tonypet"  T.  Albano,  Frederick  W.  Siao,  Michael  8.  Goniceta,
Gerardo P. Valmayor, Jr., Rogelio Neil P. Roque, Macnell Lusotan, Francisco G. Datol, Jr., Amihilda
J. Sangcopan, Abdullah D. Dimaporo, Loma C. Silverio, Eve]ina G. Escudero, Rose Marie "Baby" J.
Arenas, Pablo John F. Garcia, Henry S. Oaminal, Stella Luz A. Quimbo, Strike 8. Revilla, Rufus 8.
Rodriguez, Ruffy 8. Biazon, Peter John D. Calderon, Luis N. Campos, Jr., Junie E. Cua, Luisa lloren
Cuaresma, Paul Ruiz Daza, John Michael R. Duavit, Vincent Franco "Duke" D. Frasco, Ruwel Peter
S.  Gonzaga,  Romeo  S.  Mono,  Manuel  T.  Sagarbarria,  Jose  "Ping-Ping"  I.  Tejada,  Yasser ALlonto
Balindong,  Wilfredo "Willy" S. Caminero, Sergio C. Dagooc, Cheryl P. Deloso-Montalla, Moh`amad
Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Alan "Aldu" R. Dujali, Eduardo "Eddie" R. Gullas, Godofredo N. Guya, Glona
G.  Labadlabad,  Pablo  C.  Ortega,  Alyssa  Sheena P.  Tan,  Angelina  "Helen"  D.L.  Tan,  M.D.,  John
Reynald M. Tiangco, Lucy Torres-Gomez, Kristine Alexie 8. Tutor, Presley Cheng De Jesus,  Mark
0. Go, Dahlia A. Loyola, Florida "Rida" P. Robes, Irene Gay F.  Saulog, Bemadette "BH" Herrera-
Dy, Ramon C. Nolasco, Jr., France L. Castro, Adriano A. Ebeas, Horacio P. Suansing, Jr., Lianda 8.
Bolilia,  Wes  Gatchalian,  Jumel  Anthony  I.  Espino,  Anthony  Peter  "Onyx"  D.  Crisologo,  Jose  L.
Atienza, Jr., Janice Z. Salimbangon, Jose Enrique "Jcet" S. Garcia, Ill, Raul C. Tupas, Jesus "E}ong"
C.  Suntay,  Sormy  "SL"  L.  Lagon,  Canille  A.  Villar,  A[fredo  A.  Garbin,  Jr.,  Tyrone  D.  A£5abas,
Ronnie  L.  Ong,  Edgar M.  Chatto,  Julienne  "Jam"  L.  Baronda,  Jose  Christopher Y.  Belmonte,  Ed
Christopher  S.  Go,  Cristal  L.  Bagatsing,  Loren  Legarda,  Whilton  "Tonton"  T.  Kho,  Jake  Vincent
Villa, Ria Christina G. Farifias, Alan 8.  Ecleo,  I, Lawrence "Law" H.  Fortun, Divina Grace C. Yu,
Joey Sarte Salceda, and Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga as principal authors thereof.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila
NINHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOuseRI,.N08045
Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirino
AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE YOUNG FARMHRS AND FISHERFOLK CHALLENGH
PROGRAM, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE YOUNG FARMERS AND
FISHERFOLK CHALLENGE COUNCIL, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THF.REFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House Of Representatwes Of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
1        SHCTI0N 1. Sfeor/ rj.J/a. -This Act shall be known as the "Young Farmers and Fisherfolk challenge
2        Act."
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SEC. 2. Doc/crrcr/!.o7! o/Po/j.ey. --It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure that the rights of
young famers and fisherfolk are recognized, protected and promoted. Pursunnt to this, the State shall
engage  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.
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10       SEC.  3.  yo##g Fczrmers  cz7ad Fj.sfoetro/*  Cfocr//e#ge  Progrcrm.  -There  is  hereby  established  Young
I 1        Farmers and Fisherfolk challenge program, hereinafter referred to as the program, that shall support
I 2       and empower the young farmers and fisherfolk to be active partners in food security and agricultural
13       development and modemization. The program shall encourage the youth to pursue career or engage in
14       activities related to agriculture, ensure young farmers and fisherfolk participation in policy formulation
I 5       and  program  implementation  relative to  the  agriculture  sector,  and  provide  institutional  support for
I 6       agri-business and agri-entrepreneurship initiatives of the youth to fully realize their role as agents and
17       partners for development.
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SIC.  4.  Bc#e/cz.arc.cS  o/ /fee  Progrcz7„.  --  The  Program  is  intended  to  support  young  farmers  and
fisherfolk between fifteen (15) to forty (40) 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.
SEC. S. Creation Of a Young Farmers and Fisherfolk Challenge Council. -There \s heresy creerted 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 @A) or a duly authorized representative who
is at least an Undersecretary, who shall be the Chair;
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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 (DOST);
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);
i.     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;
j.     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;
k.    Representative  of  a  farmers'  women  organization  or  cooperative,  provided  that  the
representative shall be between fifteen ( 15) to forty (40) years of age;
I.     Representative of a national organization for agritourism; and
in.   Representative of a national organization for food, restaurant, and business sectors.
The Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries shall serve as its Secretariat.
SEC. 6. Powers crnd F"#cfjous  o/ffee Coc¢#cz./.  -The Council  shall  have the  following powers and
functions:
a.    Formulate 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   I)evelopment
(PCAARRD),  University  of the  Philippines  -  Los  Bafios  (UPLB)  and  other  relevant  state
universities and colleges (SUCs);
b.    Identify and  streamline  access to  relevant capacity-building and  livelihood programs  across
the  different  departments  and  agencies  of government,  including  on-the-job  trainings,  job
fairs, employment in farm tourism and agro-industrial zones, and other employment-bridging
initiatives;
c.    Identify and streamline access to possible sources of credit across the different departments,
agencies, and instrunentalities, including access to start-up capital;
d.    Monitor initiatives in emerging best practices in agriculture such smart farming, .farm tourism
in compliance with RA  10816, or the "Farm Tourism Development Act of 2016," agroponics,
aquaponics, hydroponics, and organic and boutique vegetables;
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e.    Improve  and  facilitate  access  to  marketing  services  such  as  through  product  packaging,
promotions including branding and advertising, networking events, provision of subsidies to
enable participation in trade fairs and exhibits, and linkage with media;
f.     Coordinate with local government units (LGUs) in providing subsidi,zed rental rates for public
retail areas and public markets to farmers and fisherfolk;
9.    Serve  as  a  conduit  between  stakeholders  and  national  and  intemational  leaders  including
Congress  and the  private  sector  in  formulating policies  directly  addressing the  concerns  of
young farmers and fisherfolk;
h.    Propose subjects related to agriculture and agribusiness such as gardening, backyard farming,
urban  farming,  reforestation,  agricultural  appreciation,  agricultural  entrepreneurship,  smart
farming,  farm tourism.  and coastal  management in all pertinent levels of the DepEd's K~12
system with the end goal of increasing enrollment in the technical-vocational track in Senior
High School in courses related to agriculture, CHED, including the National Service Training
Program OVSTP) and TESDA;
i.     Ensure scholarships and subsidized tuition fees farmers for young and fisherfolk in sucs;
j.     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;
k.    Explore and facilitate the extension of short-term leases for public land to young farmers and
fisherfolk,   providing   free   or   subsidized   land   for   cultivation   and   for   aquaculture,   and
developing other packages such as, lease-to-buy schemes that would allow young. farmers and
fisherfolk to use available or unutilized agricultural land or fishing ground for the purposes of
said Program;
1.     Expedite the leasing, distribution, and award of agrarian reform land to qualified beneficiaries;
in.   Facilitate  the  use  of excess  land  holdings  of SUCs  and  PEls  for  agricultural  training  and
developmental processes;
n.    Foster the  formation  of new  ideas  and  technologies  by  assisting  agricultural  enterprises  of
qualified young fanners and  fisherfolk entrepreneurs,  pursuant to Republic Act No.  11337,
otherwise known as the "Innovative Start-up Act of 2018";
o.    Initiate  social  partnerships and  rural  development initiatives  in  pamership  with  the  private
sector;
p.    Optimize  existing  loan  guarantee  funds  administered  by  various  government  entities  to
increase  the  credit  worthiness  of young  farmers  and  fisherfolk  experiencing  difficulty  in
obtaining loans from banks due to lack of acceptable collaterals, credit knowledge and credit
track record; and
q.    Accept donations,  contributons,  grants,  bequests  or gifts,  in  cash  or  in  kind,  from  various
sources,  domestic  or  foreign,  for  puxposes  relevant  to  the  functions  of the  Council.  Said
donations shall be deemed automatically appropriated for purposes specified by the donor or
in  the  absence  thereof,  for the  programs  and  projects  as  may  be  approved  by  the  Council
subject  to  the  usual  accounting  and  auditing  rules  and  regulations:  Provj.decJ,   77!czJ,  cash
donations shall not be used to fund the personal services requirements of the Council.
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2        SEC.   6-A.   rcac   E]cemp/j.o#   on  Do#c}/jo#S.   -  All  grants,   bequests,   endowments,   donations  and
3        contributions made to and directly and used actually, exclusively by the council shall be exempt from
4       donor's tax and the same shall be considered as allowable deduction from gross income for purposes of
5       computing the taxable income of the donor, in accordance with the provisions of the National Intemal
6       Revenuecodeof 1997, asamended.
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SEC. 7.  Wc}z.vcr a/Gover7!mG#/ Fees cI#d Cfeczrges. -Subject to the exceptions provided in Section 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,
LGUs, and government hospitals shall not collect fees or charges from young farmers and fisherfolks
who are first-time jobseekers: Prow.c7ed, That such fee or charge is 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:  Providedgivrtfoer,  That  the  benefit
provided shall only be availed of once.
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]7       SEC. 8. 4##wcI/ Repor/.  -The Council shall submit to the President and to both Houses of not later
I 8       than congress, the 30th ofofMarch of every year following the effectivity this Act, a  report giving a
19       detailed  account  on  the  effective  implementation  of this  Act,  and  recommended  legislation  where
20        applicable and necessary.
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SHC. 9. Jmp/eme#/j.ng R#/es a#d j}egr/c}/z.o#s.  ~ Within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this
Act, the DA and DAR shall.  in coordination with the DOST, DOLE,  DENR, DepEd,  CHED,  Land
Bank of the Philippines, and National  Youth Commission,  issue the necessary rules and regulations
for the implementation of this Act.
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27       SEC.10. 4pf7roprz.cr/I.o#s.  -The funds necessary to cany out the initial  implementation of this Act
28       shall be charged against the current year's budget of the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, such
29       sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual
30       General Appropriations Act.
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32        SEC.11. Sepc7rc7bz./i.fy C/a2tse.  -If any  provision  Of this Act is  held  unconstitutiona]  or  invalid,  all
33        other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.
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35       SEC.  12.  jtepea/I.ng  C/crzfsc.  -  All  laws,  decrees,  executive  orders,  rules  and  regulations  or  parts
36       thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.
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SEC.13. Ejffec/I.vjty. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Qorcz.cI/
Gc]ze/fe or in a newspaper of general circulation.
41                       Approved,
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