Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 3180
Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Based on 2015 data from the Food and Fertilizer Technology Center for the Asian
and Pacific Region, the Philippines has a total land area of 30 million hectares, and
significant portion of which is devoted to agriculture and cultivated by over five million
Filipino farmers. As a predominantly agricultural country, the sector plays a vital role in
the national economy, providing employment to a large portion of the population and
contributing significantly to the country’s overall development.
To accelerate recovery, reduce poverty, and achieve inclusive growth, agriculture
must evolve into a dynamic and high-performing sector. In this context, soil testing
emerges as a critical component in enhancing agricultural productivity, ensuring
environmental sustainability, and uplifting the livelihood of Filipino farmers.
This bill proposes the establishment of a Soil Testing Laboratory Facility in each
agricultural district in the Philippines. These laboratories will serve as hubs for analyzing
soil productivity, conducting research, and providing technical assistance in key areas
such as soil erosion control, fertility preservation, and nutrient management. By
empowering farmers with accurate soil data, they can make informed decisions about
crop selection and fertilizer application, leading to better yields and improved incomes.
As the nation grapples with the dual challenge of food insecurity and a growing
population, enhancing soil health through systematic testing is key to increasing food
production and reducing dependency on agricultural imports. Soil degradation and
nutrient depletion continue to threaten farmlands across the country. The availability of
local soil testing facilities will enable smallholder farmers to address these problems
effectively and sustainably.
The Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), under the Department of
Agriculture, currently serves as the national agency responsible for soil resource
assessment and management. Its mandate includes providing analytical and technical
services related to soil and water resource development. In support of the decentralization
August 6, 2025
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principles under the Local Government Code, BSWM also collaborates with local
government units (LGUs) to deliver agricultural extension services to farmers and farmer
groups.
The creation of soil testing laboratories at the district level will complement the
BSWM’s efforts by making soil services more accessible to grassroots communities.
These facilities will help determine soil nutrient levels, pH balance, and physical
properties—key data points that can prevent erosion, mitigate degradation, and boost
crop productivity. With access to such vital services, farmers, policymakers, and
researchers will be better equipped to make science-based decisions that support the
sustainable growth of Philippine agriculture and enhance national food security.
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
HOUSE BILL NO. 3180
Introduced by REP. EMILIO BERNARDINO L. YULO
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A SOIL TESTING LABORATORY FACILITY IN
EACH AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT IN THE PHILIPPINES, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Soil Facility Act of
2025”.
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
accelerate agricultural development by optimizing the use of resources such as soils with
the goal of attaining food security for domestic use and expanding agricultural production
for export.
SEC. 3. Soil Testing Laboratory Facility. There shall be established a Soil
Testing Laboratory Facility in each agricultural district in the Philippines which shall
primarily study the impact of soil productivity, conduct soil research projects, collaborate
with relevant government agencies to provide technical assistance in soil erosion
prevention, fertility preservation, and other related areas, ultimately assisting individual
farmers and the country's agricultural system.
Existing facilities that would meet the minimum standards or could be upgraded
to effectively serve as Soil Testing Laboratory facilities could be designated as such in
compliance with the LGU where the facility in each agricultural district is situated.
SEC. 4. Functions. Each Soil Testing Laboratory Facility shall have the


following functions, including but not limited to:
a. To provide services in chemical analysis and soil testing to farmers and the
general public and provide a basis for fertilizer usage recommendations;
b. To provide an index of soil nutrient availability and determine whether
fertilizer will be profitable;
c. To evaluate the soil fertility condition and a district-level foundation for soil;
d. To establish guidelines, procedures and techniques for the analysis of soil,
fertilizers and other essential agricultural production components; and
e. To identify problem soil areas for research and development and thereafter
formulate strategies, programs, standards, techniques, and procedures for the
facility’s effective operation in accordance with the policies of the DA.
SEC. 5. Operation and Management. The facility shall be under the direct
supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in collaboration with the Bureau of
Soils and Water Management (BSWM), which shall ensure effective soil resources
utilization by undertaking projects and research on soil conservation, soil testing, and
other related activities. They are also hereby authorized to issue rules and regulations for
their proper use and maintenance.
SEC. 6. Reporting and Recording. The Soil Testing Laboratory Facility shall
record all findings and recommendations, and shall report to the DA in accordance with
its current reporting system.
SEC. 7. Personnel. The Department of Agriculture, in coordination with the local
government
units
(LGUs)
concerned,
shall
create
positions
and
determine
the
qualification of the laboratory personnel needed to operate the facility.
SEC. 8. Appropriations. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the
Department's program the establishment and operationalization of a Soil Testing
Laboratory Facility in each respective agricultural districts, the funding of which shall be
included in the budget of the DA under the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA).


SEC. 9. Implementation. The DA, in coordination with the respective LGUs of
the districts, and other concerned agencies, shall formulate, identify, and promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations necessary to carry out the purposes of this Act.
SEC. 10. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions, which are not affected thereby, shall
continue to be in full force and effect.
SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. Any law, decree, ordinance or administrative
circular not consistent with any provision of this Act is hereby amended, repealed, or
modified accordingly.
SEC. 12. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspaper of general
circulation.
Approved,