NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) a
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) i
First Regular Session )

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Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto

AN ACT
DESIGNATING THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE AS THE EX-OFFICIO
CHAIRPERSON OF THE GOVERNING BOARDS OF CHARTERED
GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR -CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS ENGAGED IN
ACTIVITIES RELATED TO AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD
PRODUCTION

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The role of agricultural systems and infrastructure in a given society goes
beyond food production. Agricultural and fisheries production also serves its function
in employment generation, as well as in manufacturing and trade. Irrigation projects
are frequently integrated into systems that generate electricity or supply water to
households and industries. Farm-to-market roads that connect farms to markets and
processing centers also link far-flung localities to urban centers. Maintenance of food
buffer stacks are essential in managing inflation and responding to the adverse impact
of natural calamities. As such, the regulation of agriculture-related activities is typically
cartied out not only to ensure the availability and accessibility of food but also to
satisfy other socioeconomic and developmental objectives of government.

The realization of multiple and at times competing objectives make the
regulation of the agricultural sector a less-than-straightforward affair. Agricultural
agencies often have to balance the need to increase income and productivity of
farming households with the need to stabilize food prices, raise government revenues
and control government cash flows, among others. Government agencies in the
agriculture sector are sometimes reorganized, with their supervision getting
transferred from one agency to another depending on whether the current
organizational setup fits the public sector priorities and paradigms of the incumbent
administration.

Government corporations in the agricultural sector, in particular, are prime
targets for “top-level reorganization”. In 2014, the supervision of the National Food
Authority and the Philippine Coconut Authority, among other agencies, were
transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Office of the President to


enhance effectiveness and coordination of government interventions. Just four years
later, the same agencies were "returned" to the agriculture department for practically
the same rationale. While such transfer is grounded on noble intents and purposes, it
could also result in fragmentation of government efforts especially in addressing
complex and far-reaching policy concerns like food security and countryside poverty.

This bill seeks to address this concern by designating the Secretary of
Agriculture as the ex-officio chairperson of the governing boards of all chartered
government corporations engaged in activities related to agriculture, fisheries and
food production. Such designation can provide stable leadership and streamlined
supervision of agencies involved in agriculture, fisheries and food production. It will
also afford a channel to harmonize various public sector interventions, particularly in
production support, marketing and extension services, and research and development
undertaking.

Ultimately, this bill seeks to contribute towards realizing the economic well-
being of agricultural workers and food security for Filipino consumers.

In light of the foregoing, immediate passage of the bill is earnestly sought.

finda


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Reguilar Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

3190

H. B. No.

Introduced by Representative Ralph G. Recto

AN ACT
DESIGNATING THE SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE AS THE EX-OFFICIO
CHAIRPERSON OF GOVERNING BOARDS OF CHARTERED GOVERNMENT-
OWNED OR -CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS ENGAGED IN ACTIVITIES
RELATED TO AGRICULTURE, FISHERIES AND FOOD PRODUCTION

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

Section 1. Designation of the Agriculture Secretary as the Ex-Officio
Chairperson of Government Corporations Engaged in Agriculture-, Fisheries-, or Food
Production-Related Activities. — Any provision in the respective charters of
government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to the contrary
notwithstanding, the Secretary of Agriculture shall be designated as the ex-officio
Chairperson of the following entities:

(a) The Dairy Industry Board of the National Dairy Authority created under
Republic Act No. 7884, otherwise known as the “Wational Dairy
Development Act of 1995",

(b) The National Food Authority Council created under Presidential Decree No.
4, as amended, otherwise known as the “Wationa/ Grains Authority Act’;

(c) The Governing Board of the National Irrigation Administration created under
Republic Act No. 3601, as amended;

(d) The Governing Board of the National Tobacco Administration created under
Executive Order No. 245 s.1987;

(©) The Philippine Coconut Authority Board created under Presidential Decree
No. 232 s. 1973, as amended;


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(f) The Board of Directors of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority

created under Presidential Decree No. 977 s. 1976, as amended;

(g) Board of Trustees of the Philippine Rice Research Institute created under

Executive Order No. 1061 s. 1985, as amended; and
(h) The Sugar Board of the Sugar Regulatory Administration created under
Executive Order No. 18 s. 1986.

Sec, 2. New designation for Incumbent Chairpersons. — The incumbent
chairpersons of the government corporations identified under Section 1 of this Act
other than the Secretary of Agriculture shall be designated as Vice-Chairperson or
Member of the Governing Board.

Sec. 3. Separability Clause. — If any portion of this Act is declared invalid or
unconstitutional, the portions or provisions which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. — All laws, acts, decrees, executive orders, issuances,
and rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to and inconsistent with
this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec, 5. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official
Gazette.

Approved,