Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City TIME _ £10 f
TWENTIETH CONGRESS

House Bill No, 309

Introduced by REP. JAVIER MIGUEL L. BENITEZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The 1987 Constitution mandates the State tor promote rural development and ensure
access to safe, sufficient, and nutritious fodd for all’. In fulfillment of this mandate, this
bill seeks to declare the Province of Negros Occidental as the Slow Food Hub of the
Philippines, in recognition of its established leadership in sustainable agriculture and
food heritage preservation.

Negros Occidental cultivates over 16,000 hectares through organic farming practices
supported by at least 17,000 organic adopters, Organic agriculture, as defined by the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), enhances food security, protects
biodiversity, and improves soil and water health, making it a cornerstone of climate-
resilient food systems®.

The province likewise promotes the Slow Food movement, which emphasizes
traditional food systems, locally sourced ingredients, and environmentally sustainable
production. This aligns with UNESCO's recognition of food heritage as an intangible
cultural asset essential to community and cultural identity, sustainability, and
intergenerational continuity+

By legislating this recognition, the State affirms its commitment to sustainable
agriculture, cultural preservation, and food sovereignty. Declaring Negros Occidental
as the Slow Food Hub of the Philippines provides a legal foundation for aligning
national programs, investments, and policies with long-term goals on food security,
environmental integrity, and inclusive rural development.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is egmestly sought.

Jay

2 1987 Constitution, Art Il, Sec. 15; Art Xl, Sec. 5.
2 Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist. Annual Report on
Organic Agriculture Development, 2023.

> FAO (2007). Organic Agriculture and Food Security. Rome: Food and Agriculture Organization of the
United Nations.

“ UNESCO (2005). Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS

House Bill No, _309

Introduced by REP. JAVIER MIGUEL L. BENITEZ

AN ACT CREATING THE PROVINCE OF NEGROS OCCIDENTAL AS THE
“SLOW FOOD HUB OF THE PHILIPPINES”

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

SECTION 1. Short Title ~ This Act shall be known as the “Organic and
Slow Food Act”

SECTION 2. Slow Food Hub of the Philippines - The Province of Negros
Occidental prioritizes food security through the promotion of agricultural
productivity. As a predominantly agricultural province, Negros Occidental
encompasses 540,386 hectares of agricultural land, with at least 16,000 hectares
dedicated to organic farming, supported by an estimated 17,000 organic
adopters. The Province also champions sustainable, locally sourced, and
culturally significant food, actively engaging local restaurant owners. Local
cuisine integrates traditional flavors with contemporary trends, celebrating
heritage while embracing innovation. These efforts ensure ingredients are
sourced from local farmers and producers practicing sustainable farming
methods that respect biodiversity.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms - As used in this Act:

(a) Food Security - the condition wherein individuals’ dietary needs
and preferences are met, ensuring access to sufficient, safe, and
nutritious food at all times;

(b) Agricultural Productivity - the ratio of agricultural outputs to
inputs, reflecting economic growth while maintaining sustainable
food prices and balancing resource use;

(c) Organic Farming - an agricultural practice that relies on natural
processes and inputs, such as vermicast, manure, compost, plant
materials, and animal by-products, to cultivate healthy crops and
livestock without synthetic chemicals;


(d) Organic Adopters - Farmers and producers who actively practice
organic farming or are in the process of transitioning to organic
farming methods;

(e) Locally sourced ingredients - Agricultural or food products that are
produced, harvested, or processed within a specific geographical
region defined in this Act as the Province of Negros Occidental, to
promote sustainability, support local economies, and minimize
environmental impact;

(f) Culturally significant food - food that embodies and preserves the
cultural heritage of a specific place, serving as an identifiable
hallmark of the region's identity and traditions;

(g) Local Cuisine - culinary practices and dishes rooted in the traditions
of a local community's culture, as defined in this Act within the
context of the Province of Negros Occidental; and

(h) Slow Food - a movement that counters fast-paced, industrialized
food systems by prioritizing quality over speed. It emphasizes the
preparation of fresh, locally sourced meals while reducing waste
and the carbon footprint. The movement advocates for the
celebration of local traditions and products, as defined in this Act
within the Province of Negros Occidental.

SECTION 5. Repealing Act ~ Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent or contrary
to the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,