Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF THE REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6991

Introduced by Representative MANUEL F. ZUBIRI

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite the country's heavy dependence on the agricultural sector for food security, the
Philippines still outsources rice, crops, and livestock’. The agricultural sector is waning as
well, as its share in the GDP slowly diminishes, as fishers and farmers continue to receive
salaries below minimum wage, and as the industry begins to age, given the median age for
farmers stands at 57 years old’. Interest in the profession has already been observed by a
colleague, and it is high time interest is renewed especially among the youth if we are to
sustain food security and boost the economy in line with our nation’s potentials and natural

resources®.

A mandatory agricultural class for public elementary schools may help keep the industry a
sustainable one. Given the relative successes of private farm schools and social
enterprises that offer continuous education to would-be farmers and businessmen, an early
immersion and orientation of the Filipino youth as to the status of the industry, the benefits
of a robust agricultural sector, and the business potential of the sector may entice them to

engaging in agriculturally-related professions.

Given the existing specializations on agriculture and fishgfies in the K-12 program, the
seeds can be sown early by igniting interest in their yoyhger years*. Change will take years,
but there is hope we can still fortify the agricultural seftor with the proper education,

infrastructure, and support

' Gavilan, Jodesz, Rappler, "How can
htlps://www.rappler.com/move-ph/issua
agriculture, accessed December 11, 2017

2 Rappler, “WATCH: Making agriculture a viable career for millennials”,
hitps://www.rappler.com/move-ph/157444-cherie-atilano-agriculture-move-awards,
accessed December 11, 2017

» Belaro, Salvador, House Bill No. 4026,
http://www.congress.gov.ph/leaisdocs/basic_17/HB04026.pdt, Accessed December 11
2017

“Geronimo, Jee Y., Rappler, "DA wants agriculture subjects in elementary. high schoo!"
htlps://www.rappler,com/nation/177103-da-cariculture-subjects-basic-education,
accessed December 11, 2017

¢ Phifppines have a booming agricultural sector?”
bdnger/102624-improvements-philippine-



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6991

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative MANUEL F. ZUBIRI

AN ACT MANDATING A CLASS ON AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES IN PUBLIC
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the State's policy to promote
industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian
reform, through industries that make full of efficient use of human and natural resources,
and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets. It is also the State's policy
to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system of
‘education relevant to the needs of the people and society

SECTION. 2. Agricultural Classes in Public Elementary Schools — Pursuant to the
above policy, there shall be established, under the supervision of the Department of
Education, classes on agriculture for all students who will enroll in all public elementary
schools in the Philippines.

SECTION 3. Objectives. - Classes on agriculture shall aim to develop an interest
and to develop maximum basic competencies for elementary students in public schools to
prepare them for possible careers in the agricultural sector and to make them valuable
assets to the community and the nation in the future.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education
(DepEd), in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DA), within ninety (90) days
from the effectivity of this Act, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the
effective implementation of the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 5. Appropriations. - The funds necessary to carry out the provision of this
Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment
into law and thereafter

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - All laws, parts of laws, decrees, presidential
issuances, proclamations, orders, ordinances, and administrative regulations in conflict with
the provisions of this Act are hereby amended, modified or repealed accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,