Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE NATIONAL HYBRID RICE PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK AND FUNDING MECHANISM, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Rice remains a cornerstone of Philippine food security and rural economic development. 
As the staple food of over 110 million Filipinos, rice production is intricately linked to national 
stability, nutrition, and the well-being of farming communities. Ensuring the sustainability and 
competitiveness of the rice sector is not just an agricultural concern—it is a strategic national 
priority. 
In 2023, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., concurrently serving as 
Secretary of Agriculture, committed ₱30 billion to the National Rice Program. This initiative 
prioritized the distribution of high-quality seeds, modernization of farming through machinery 
and irrigation, and expanded extension services for farmers. Central to this strategy is the 
promotion of hybrid rice technology, which has shown significant potential to increase yields and 
improve resilience against climate-related risks. 
While initial results from this program have been promising, sustaining its gains requires 
institutionalization through legislative action. This bill seeks to formally establish the National 
Hybrid Rice Program as a permanent component of the government’s food security strategy, 
guided by clear principles, dedicated funding, and participatory implementation. 
July 10, 2025
10:31 am
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Under the proposed measure, the government will subsidize between 50% to 70% of the 
cost of certified hybrid seeds for eligible rice farmers. Recognizing that seed technology must be 
paired with skills and support, the bill mandates nationwide training programs on hybrid 
cultivation, mechanized practices, and efficient water use. Farmer education will be led by the 
Department of Agriculture, in collaboration with the Agricultural Training Institute, local 
government units, and private partners. 
To strengthen innovation, the measure earmarks at least ₱100 million annually for 
research and development in high-yielding, pest-resistant, and climate-resilient hybrid rice 
varieties. This ensures that Filipino farmers benefit from advances in agricultural science while 
maintaining seed quality and adaptability to local ecosystems. 
A crucial component of the bill is its emphasis on inclusive partnerships. Private 
enterprises developing rice farming technologies—such as low-cost harvesters, storage systems, 
and seed production tools—will be encouraged through fiscal incentives, tax breaks, and 
collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry. The bill also directs the DA to consult 
directly with farmer groups to identify priority needs that the private sector can meet, ensuring 
that investments are demand-driven and farmer-centered. 
To reduce dependency on middlemen and increase farmgate profitability, the measure 
calls for the establishment of government-run rice trading hubs, potentially co-located with 
existing Kadiwa Centers. These centers will provide farmers with direct access to institutional 
buyers and consumers, ensuring fairer prices and reduced post-harvest losses. 
This legislation also strengthens governance and accountability by establishing a national 
steering committee and mandating annual performance reports to Congress.  
The proposed measure does not seek to replace inbred rice systems, but to complement 
them. It upholds farmer choice, promotes evidence-based technology adoption, and fosters 
regional adaptability. It offers a hybrid governance model where national policy, scientific 
expertise, private innovation, and grassroots leadership converge to transform the rice sector. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE NATIONAL HYBRID RICE PROGRAM, 
PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK AND FUNDING MECHANISM, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “National Hybrid Rice Program 
Act of 2025.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to ensure 
food security, enhance the productivity and income of rice farmers, and promote sustainable 
agriculture through the adoption of appropriate technologies, including hybrid rice. The State 
shall institutionalize a long-term national hybrid rice development and promotion program that is 
science-based, farmer-inclusive, and climate-resilient. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act: 
(a) Hybrid Rice refers to the first-generation offspring of two genetically distinct rice
parents, resulting in higher yield potential than inbred varieties;
(b) Certified Hybrid Seeds refer to hybrid rice seeds approved and accredited by the
Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and/or Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice);
(c) Smallholder Farmers refer to rice farmers cultivating not more than five (5) hectares
of land;
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(d) Kadiwa Centers refer to government-supported retail and trading centers that directly 
link producers and consumers;​
(e) Program refers to the National Hybrid Rice Program established under this Act. 
SECTION 4. Establishment of the National Hybrid Rice Program. — There is hereby 
established a National Hybrid Rice Program (NHRP) to promote the sustainable use of hybrid 
rice technology nationwide. The Program shall be implemented by the Department of 
Agriculture (DA), in collaboration with DA-PhilRice, ATI, BPI, LGUs, and relevant agencies. 
SECTION 5. Components of the Program. — The Program shall include, but not be limited 
to, the following: 
(a) Hybrid Seed Subsidy. — The DA shall subsidize fifty percent (50%) to seventy 
percent (70%) of the cost of certified hybrid rice seeds for eligible smallholder farmers. 
Targeting shall prioritize areas with high production potential and farmer readiness.​
(b) Research and Development. — At least One Hundred Million Pesos 
(₱100,000,000.00) annually shall be allocated to develop high-yielding, pest-resistant, 
and climate-adaptive hybrid rice varieties. Research and development shall be led by 
DA-PhilRice in partnership with IRRI, SUCs, and qualified private sector institutions.​
(c) Farmer Training and Mechanization. — The DA, through the Agricultural Training 
Institute (ATI) and in coordination with LGUs, shall implement training programs on 
hybrid rice cultivation, post-harvest handling, and mechanization, including the use of 
small-scale irrigation and precision farming technologies.​
(d) Market Access and Trading Hubs. — The DA, in partnership with the DTI and LGUs, 
shall establish government-run rice trading hubs to directly connect farmers with buyers. 
These trading hubs may be co-located with or integrated into Kadiwa Centers and shall 
support farm clustering and consolidation efforts.​
(e) Private Sector Engagement and Incentives. — The DA and DTI shall develop and 
implement fiscal incentive packages, including tax breaks and investment support, for 
private entities engaged in hybrid seed development, mechanization services, storage 
solutions, and digital platforms that directly benefit smallholder rice farmers.​
(f) Monitoring and Evaluation. — The DA shall establish a monitoring and evaluation 
system, including performance metrics and reporting protocols. Program implementation 
and impact assessments shall be submitted annually to Congress. 
SECTION 6. Program Governance. — A Program Steering Committee shall be created to 
guide and oversee implementation. It shall be chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and 
composed of the Director General of DA-PhilRice, Executive Director of ATI, and one (1) 
representative each from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of 
Trade and Industry (DTI), a nationally recognized farmers’ organization, the private agricultural 


sector, and the academe. The Committee shall meet quarterly to set targets, review 
accomplishments, and approve policy guidelines. 
SECTION 7. Oversight. — To ensure transparency, accountability, and policy alignment, the 
Department of Agriculture shall submit an annual report to the House of Representatives and the 
Senate detailing the implementation, budget utilization, accomplishments, and challenges of the 
Program. Oversight over this Act shall be primarily exercised by the appropriate standing 
Congressional Committees on Agriculture and Food, or any successor committee designated by 
Congress. The MURANG PAGKAIN QUINTACOMM (Quinta Committee), as a currently 
convened special or ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives, may assist in monitoring 
and evaluating the implementation of the Program for the duration of its mandate or existence, in 
coordination with the standing Committee on Food Security and other relevant oversight bodies. 
SECTION 8. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this 
Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the Department of Agriculture. 
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of the Program 
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with DA-PhilRice, ATI, 
BPI, DTI, LGUs, and other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary implementing 
rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act. 
SECTION 10. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect. 
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly. 
SECTION 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
Approved, 
 
 
 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List