Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HoUsE BILL No, 8042

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In 2014, the Philippines was the 13” most populated country in the world with a
population of 107 million’. During the same year, the Philippines’ Global Hunger
Index (GHI) was 13.1, significantly higher than the ideal score of less than five’. This
reflected a high incidence of undernourishment, child underweight and child
mortality, as the index were gauged by the same.

Our growing population needs a sustainable solution to combat inaccessibility and
unavailability of food in the country and achieve food security. In a survey conducted
by the National Nutrition Survey (NNS) in 2011, 36% of Filipino adults and 23% of
Filipino children claimed to be food insecure*. There is an apparent need for a more
sustainable agriculture practice in the country in order to be self-sustaining in
meeting the food needs of every Filipino.

One cause of starvation and malnutrition is unsustainable production methods and
loss of bio-diversity on the farm. Organic farming as a process sustains the health of
soils and ecological balance of the environment’, guaranteeing a sustainable
production for the long-term. This bill intends to strengthen sustainable agriculture by
amending the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 in order to keep up with the
development in sustainable farming and fulfill the goal of providing food for every
Filipino.

As President Duterte has mentioned previously in his campaign®, his administration
intends to prioritize tackling food insecurity through the development of the
agricultural sector. This bill seeks to compliment this intent through the adoption of
organic agricultural system as viable alternative to import-based toxic farming
methods. By supporting our farmers, especially the organic and other small farmers,

" https://focusweb.org/contentright-food-and-food-security-philippines-what-numbers-say

* Ibid.

> http:/Avww rappler.com/move-ph/51726-food-security-philippines

* hups:/wwww foam. bio/sites/defaulvfiles/organic_agriculture_and_food_security_printeopy pdf

5 hutp:/swww.fa0.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq7/en/

© http:/mewsinfo. inquirer. ne/7908 | 2/inqback-president-rodrigo-duterte-agenda-2016-elections-campaign


and helping them increase production and productivity, we are also lifting food
production and access to food

As it is becoming widely recognized as an alternative to conventional farming, this
bill proposes to implement such practices more aggressively to promote food self-
sufficiency as well as encourage farmers in order to increase production.

It is also emphasized that food insecurity is a battle that every citizen must counter.
This bill, as a counterpart bill to Senator Poe's version in the Senate, proposes a
nationwide education and awareness campaign among consumers on the benefits of
consuming organic products. This bill also ensures decent returns to organic
producers by providing marketing assistance. It must be noted that in 2014, the
Philippines was 4" in the world in having the largest numbers of organic producers’.
This bill further ensures methods for proper registration and labeling of organic
produce to avoid misleading the consuming public.

This measure would greatly support the propagation of organic farming practices in
the country, meet the needs of small organic farmers and encourage other small
Filipino farmworkers to shift to organic farming. In addressing the country's obstacle
in achieving food security and food self-sufficiency, it is imperative that we support all
sectors involved and aim for development through sustainable and innovative
methods.

In light of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

LUIS JUND “1 Y” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

7 hutp:/orgprints org/29790/13/willer-lemoud-2016-global-data-biofuch pat


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND ENHANCING SUPPORT
FOR SMALL ORGANIC FARMERS, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE CERTAIN
SECTIONS OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068 OR THE
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ACT OF 2010

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

SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of
2010 is hereby amended to read as follows:

It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote,
propagate, develop further, and implement the practice of
ORGANIC FARMING AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE
AGRICULTURE PRACTICES in the Philippines that will
cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase
farm productivity, AND FARMERS" INCOMES; reduce pollution and
destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural
resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers and the
general public, [and] save on imported inputs, AND PROMOTE
FOOD SELF SUFFICIENCY.

Towards this end, a comprehensive program for the
promotion of community-based organic agriculture systems which
include, among others, farmer produced purely organic fertilizers
such as compost, [pesticides] BIOPESTICIDES and other farm
inputs, together with a nationwide educational and promotional
campaign for their use and processing[,].


LIKEWISE, A NATIONWIDE EDUCATIONAL AND
AWARENESS CAMPAIGN AMONG CONSUMERS ON THE
BENEFITS OF CONSUMING ORGANIC PRODUCTS TO BOOST
LOCAL PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FOOD AND NON-FOOD
PRODUCTS, as well as THE adoption of organic agricultural
system AND OTHER METHODS as viable ALTERNATIVES TO
IMPORT-BASED TOXIC FARMING METHODS shall be
undertaken.

The State recognizes and supports the central role of the
farmers, indigenous people, and other stakeholders at the
grassroots in this program

SECTION 2. Section 3 on definition of terms is hereby amended to read as follows:

a. Organic refers to the particular farming and
processing systems, described in the standards and not in the
classical chemical sense. The term “organic” is synonymous in
other languages to “biological” or "ecological." It is also a labelling
term that denotes products considered organic based on the
Philippine National Standards for organic agriculture;

Xxx
c. Organic production system is a system designed
to:
(1) enhance biological diversity within the whole
system;

Xxx

(7) develop and promote the use of biotechnology in
agriculture BASED ON THE PRECAUTIONARY PRINCIPLE
UNDER THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON
BIODIVERSITY.

XK
g. |Commercialization| PROPAGATION IS A
PROCESS OF INTRODUCING NEW AGRICULTURAL AND
FISHERY EITHER AS PRODUCT, PROCESS, OR SERVICE
THAT HAS UNDERGONE THE INTENSIVE INNOVATIVE
ACTIVITIES OF ASSESSMENT, PROMOTION, AND TRANSFER
NOT NECESSARILY FOR COMMERCIAL PROFIT BUT FOR THE
PURPOSE OF PROMOTING ORGANIC AGRICULTURAL
PRACTICES AND TECHNOLOGY ADAPTABLE TO THE
LOCALITIES WHERE IT IS BEING INTRODUCED.


200C

oO. PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEMS (PGS)
ARE LOCALLY FOCUSED QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS.
THEY CERTIFY PRODUCERS BASED ON ACTIVE
PARTICIPATION OF STAKEHOLDERS AND ARE BUILT ON A
FOUNDATION OF TRUST, SOCIAL NETWORKS, AND
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE.

SECTION 3. Section 4 On Coverage is hereby amended to read as follows:

The provisions of this Act shalll apply to the development and
promotion of organic agriculture and shalll include, but not be limited
to, the following:

a. Policy formulation on regulation, registration,
accreditation, certification, and labelling on organic agriculture;

200K

c. Promotion and encouragement of the establishment
of facilities, equipment, and processing plants that would accelerate
the production and [COMMERCIALIZATION] PROPAGATION of
the use of organic fertilizers, [PESTICIDES] BIO-PESTICIDES
[HERBICIDES] BIO-HERBICIDES and other appropriate farm
inputs; and

d. Implementation of organic agricultural programs,
projects, and activities, including the provision and delivery of
support services with focus on the farmers, PRIORITIZING SMALL
FARMERS AND THEIR ORGANIZATIONS, and other stakeholders

SECTION 4. Section 5 on the National Organic Agricultural Program is hereby
amended to read as follows:

There is hereby established a comprehensive organic
agricultural program through ~—the_-— promotion and
[COMMERCIALIZATION] PROPAGATION of organic farming
practices, cultivation, and adoption of production and processing
methods which have already been developed, or to be developed,
continuing research and upgrading thereof, the capacity building of
farmers and the education of consumers thereon, the extension of
assistance to local government units (LGUs), peoples’
organizations (POs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and
other stakeholders including individuals and groups who are willing


to do other pertinent activities, and documentation and evaluation
of the program.

SECTION 5. Section 7 on the composition of the NOAB is hereby amended to read
as follows:

The NOAB shall consist of:

a. The Secretary of Agriculture, or his duly authorized
permanent representative, with a rank of Undersecretary, as
Chairperson;

Xxx

The representatives of small farmers and NGOs, and of agricultural
colleges and universities, shall be chosen by the Secretaries of
Agriculture and Science and Technology respectively, from among
nominees submitted to the agency concerned by their respective
national organizations. These representatives must REPRESENT
THE LARGEST MEMBERSHIP OF FARMERS' ORGANIZATIONS
NATIONWJDE, PROMOTING ORGANIC AND OTHER
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES AND MEMBERSHIP
ADAPTING ORGANIC FARMING, be conversant in organic
agriculture and committed to the policies and programs provided
under this Act.

SECTION 6. Section 16 on the registration of organic food and organic input
producers is hereby amended to read as follows:

Registration of Organic Food and Organic Input Producers. —
All organic food and input establishments must register with the
director, BAFPS, registration under this section shall begin within
ninety (90) days of the enactment of this Act. Each such registration
shall be submitted to the director through and electronic portal and
shall contain such information as the director by guidance may
determine to be appropriate. Such registration shall contain the
following information:

a. The name, address and emergency contact
information of each organic food or input establishment that the
registrant owns or operates;

XxX

g. IN. THE CASE OF DIRECT SELLING TO
CONSUMERS, DONE BY SMALL OR FAMILY FARMERS,


PREVIOUSLY REGISTERED WITH BAFPS OR LGU
COUNTERPART, CERTIFICATION IS OPTIONAL.

SECTION 7. Section 17 on the Labeling of Organic produce is hereby amended to
read as follows:

The label of organic produce shall contain the name, logo or
seal of the organic certifying body and the accreditation number
issued by the BAFPS. [ONLY THIRD PARTY CERTIFICATION]
THE ORGANIC LABEL SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THE TRADE
NAME AND ORIGIN ADDRESS OF THE PRODUCE.

XXX

SECTION 8. Section 19 on Availability of Trading post for Organic Inputs is hereby
amended to read as follows:

Local chief executives shall establish, as far as practicable,
at least one (|) trading post for organic inputs for every LGU in the
area of jurisdiction. "THE AREA SHOULD BE IN AN AREA
STRATEGICALLY LOCATED |.E., AT THE PUBLIC MARKET
AREA, CENTERS OF TRADING AND LOCAL BUSINESS
ACTIVITIES.

SECTION 9. Section 20 on Research, Development and Extension is hereby
amended to read as follows:

The Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), as the lead
agency, shall coordinate with the other agencies of the DA, the
Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST), the Department of Education (DepED),
the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the
strategic agricultural-based state universities and colleges (SUCs),
including private organizations, “AND NGOs and POs WITH
ESTABLISHED TRACK RECORD IN THE PRACTICE OF
SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL METHODS OF PRODUCTION"
to develop, enhance, support and consolidate activities and related
technologies for the formulation and implementation of a unified
and integrated organic agriculture RDE plan and programs for the
national to the field level. The organic agriculture RDE plans and
programs shall include, but not limited to the following:


a. _ Research, development and
[COMMERCTALIZATION] "PROPAGATION’ of appropriate,
innovative and viable organic agricultural technologies;

b. Nationwide promotion of developed and
[COMMERCIALLY] viable biodegradable farm wastes and by-
products through various extension strategies to accelerate the
production, use and distribution of organic fertilizers; and

SECTION 10. Sections 25 through 31 are hereby amended to read as follows:

SECTION 25. PROTECTION OF INDIGENOUS ORGANIC
RESOURCES AGAINST CROSS-CONTAMINATION. THE
INTEGRITY OF ORGANIC CROPS AND LIVESTOCK SHALL BE
STRICTLY ENSURED AND MONITORED. RISK OF CROSS-
CONTAMINATION FROM ENGINEERED CROPS AND
LIVESTOCK SHALL BE PREVENTED AT ALL TIMES. BAFPS
SHALL MONITOR ALL APPLICATIONS FOR FIELD-
TESTINGS/PRODUCTION OF ENGINEERED CROPS AND
LIVESTOCK, AND SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO DENY ANY
APPLICATION IF IT FINDS SUFFICIENT CAUSE, THEREFOR.

ALL FIELD TESTING, PLANTING, OR RAISING OF
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS SHOULD NOT BE
ALLOWED IN THE VICINITY WHERE ORGANIC FARMING |S
BEING CONDUCTED. BAFOSM IN COORDINATION WITH
NOAB, SHALL IMPLEMENT AN ORGANIC ZONE TO ESTABLISH
THE RADIUS WHERE THE ORGANIC PRODUCE IS NOT IN
DIRECT OR IMMEDIATE CONTACT OR INFLUENCE OF
ENGINEERED ORGANISMS.

IN THE EVENT OF CONTAMINATION BY GENETICALY-
MODIFIED ORGANISM, PATENTED OR OTHERWISE, THE LGU,
BAFPS AND/OR ORGANIC PRODUCER MAY HOLD THE GMO
PATENT OWNER  LIABLE FOR ECONOMIC AND
ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGES.

SECTION 26. RECOGNITION OF LOCAL ORDINANCES
AND OTHER ISSUANCES. CONSISTENT WITH ITS MANDATE
UNDER SECTION 16 —- GENERAL WELFARE OF R.A. 7160,
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS (LGUS) HAVE THE POWER TO
ENACT ORDINANCES FOR THE GENERAL HEALTH AND
WELFARE OF ITS CONSTITUENCY.


PURSUANT TO THIS, LOCAL ORDINANCES, POLICIES
AND/OR ISSUANCES ON AGRICULTURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT
LIMITED TO ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND PROHIBITION OF
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS, SHALL BE
RECOGNIZED BY ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES.

LGUS, IN COORDINATION WITH BAFPS SHALL
STRICTLY MONITOR THE CONDUCT OF AGRICULTURE IN
ORDER TO ENSURE THE QUALITY AND INTEGRITY OF
ORGANIC PRODUCE. TESTING OR FIELD TRIALS OF ANY
TYPE OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT OR METHOD SHALL
REQUIRE LGU CLEARANCE APART FROM THE
REQUIREMENTS SET BY THE GOVERNMENT AGENCY
CONCERNED.

SEC. [25] 27. Appropriations. xxx

SEC. [26] 28 on Penal Provision. - Any person who wilfully
and deliberately:

a. obstructs the development of propagation of organic
agriculture, or the manufacture, production, sale or use of organic
agricultural inputs. THIS MAY INCLUDE, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
ANY FORM OF HARASSMENT OR PERSECUTION OF GROUPS
OR INDIVIDUALS PURSUING THE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF
FARMERS IN FURTHERANCE OF THIS ACT, BY GROUPS OR
INDIVIDUALS, CORPORATIONS OR JURIDICAL ENTITIES,
INCLUDING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS;

XXX

SEC. [27] 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. x x x
‘SEC. [28] 30. Annual Report. xxx

SEC. [29] 3 1. Congressional Oversight Committee. x x x
SEC. [30] 32. Seperability Clause. x x x

SEC. [31] 33. Repealing Clause. x x x

SEC. [32] 34. Effectivity. x x x

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. All other laws, acts, decrees, executive orders,
issuances, and rules and regulations or parts thereof which are contrary to and
inconsistent with any provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or
modified accordingly.


SECTION 12. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is subsequently
declared unconstitutional, the validity of the remaining provisions hereof shall remain
in full force and effect.

SECTION 13. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect immediately after its
complete publication either in the official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation in the Philippines.

Approved,