SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 
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'14 
MAY 19 P5 :58 
2234 
Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The agricultural landscape is rapidly evolving in the country and around 
the globe as farmers are aggressively applying their resourcefulness and 
determination in generating additional income through non-traditional farm 
activities. Of these activities, diversification into tourism has been one of the 
most prevalent, which led to the emergence of "farm tourism" as an important 
economic activity in the country. 
Farm tourism is now a thriving industry in many parts of the world, 
including Australia, Canada and the United States. Other terms associated 
with farm tourism are "agritainment" or agricultural entertainment, "value 
added products", "farm direct marketing", and "sustainable agriculture". Farm 
tourism has been proven to provide additional opportunities for farmers, farm 
owners, and farm producers, in generating additional income. Moreover, it has 
also helped increase employment opportunities in the community as well as the 
revenue of their government. As people have become more interested about 
what goes into food production, farm tourism has also provided an opportunity 
for the people to meet farmers and processors, and talk with them about how 
their food is produced. 
Agriculture is a key sector in the Philippine economy and farming is an. 
integral part of this sector and of the Filipino culture. However, productivity of 
the sector rarely increases. For instance, the first half of 2013 recorded a 
production value of P697 billion, a significant reduction from the previous 
year's P956 billion. 
According to some experts, the government's reliance on agricultural 
imports, particularly on rice and corn, has considerably weakened the 
agricultural sector in the country. 
Tourism, on the other hand, now plays a substantial role in the economy 
as it generates investmflnt, foreign exchange and employment, and continues 
to enhance the sense of national pride for all Filipinos. Tourism in the country 
sustains its strong performance as foreign visitor arrivals for the first four 


months of 2013 showed a 10.12 percent increase from the same period m 
2012, as reported by the Department of Tourism. 
Agriculture and tourism, when combined, will benefit from each other, 
according to the "First International Agriculture and Tourism Expo" held in 
J1,tly 2012, supported by the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of 
Tourism (DOT) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA). The collaboration of agriculture and tourism can help boost the 
country's economy by improving the income and potential economic viability of 
small farms and rural communities. 
The tandem of agriculture and tourism, herein referred to as "Farm 
Tourism" gives emphasis on the greater importance of farming, which reflects a 
more individual practice with its own unique philosophies, methods, practices 
and operations. 
The Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), which is under the DA, is the 
instrument of the Philippine government in enhancing agricultural technology 
and knowledge management for a more proactive and responsive extension 
service in agriculture and fishery to help alleviate poverty among farmers. One 
of its programs is the promotion of organic agriculture, which was enacted into 
law on 6 April 2010 as the Republic Act No. 10068 or the Organic Agriculture 
Act. 
Through organic farming, agriculture and fisheries, stakeholders utilize 
technology to further develop their land. Organic agriculture is a viable solution 
to address hunger and at the same time preserve the environment. 
In the records of the DA-ATI, many farm owners nowadays, whether big 
or small, practice organic agriculture and support government's initiatives and 
projects in promoting agriculture. This became the starting point to Farm 
Tourism as an agri-business enterprise. In October 2011, the Japan 
International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and DA-ATI collaboratively conducted 
a workshop on agri-tourism which was held in Palawan, where the first model 
site on agri-tourism was located. Consultative workshops, trainings and 
exhibitions sponsored by DA-ATI and co-sponsored by private stakeholders 
continue to prosper. 
The recently concluded trammg on farm tourism development and 
marketing held last December 7 and 8, 2013 was sponsored by the ACES 
Polytechnic College. It was attended by several successful farmer-land owners 
and farmers, academic rese,archers, local government units and government 
agencies, with a common goal of promoting sustainable organic agriculture in a 
farm tourism environment. 
Although there were programs being implemented by the DA-ATI in 
collaboration with DOT and other government agencies, there is a need to 
institutionalize Farm Tourism to harmonize all efforts of various government 


agencIes and identify DA-ATI as the specific agency that will implement the 
policies and strengthen its programs on farm tourism. 
This legislative measure aims to enact policies that would promote and 
develop farm tourism in the country; strengthen sustainable organic 
agriculture in a farm tourism environment; uplift the quality of life of farmers, 
farmer-land owners, and rural people; provide an avenue for the public to learn 
more about food production; generate employment in the farming communities; 
engage small farmers and farm workers in trainings and knowledge transfers; 
and encourage the Filipino youth to appreciate and support farming. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought . 
• 
( 
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 


SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. _2_2_3_4 
'14 
MAY 19 P5:58 
Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF FARM 
TOURISM IN THE PHILIPPINES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as "The Farm Tourism Act of 
2014." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is a declared policy of the State to 
provide support to agriculture through appropriate technology and research, 
and adequate financial, production, marketing and other support services. 
Moreover, the legislature finds that agriculture plays a substantial role in the 
economy, culture and history of the Philippines. As an increasing number of 
Filipinos are removed from day-to-day agricultural experiences, farm tourism 
provides a valuable opportunity for the general public to inter-act with, 
experience and understand agriculture. Towards this end, a comprehensive 
program for the development and promotion of farm tourism is hereby 
established. 
SECTION 3: Definition of Terms. As used III this Act, the following terms 
shall mean as follows: 
a) Farm Tourism refers to the practice of attracting visitors and travelers 
to farm areas for both educational and recreational purposes. It involves 
any agricultural-based operation or activity that brings farmers, visitors 
or tourists to a farm who want to be educated and trained on farming 
and its related activities, and provides a venue for outdoor recreation and 
accessible family outings. 
b) Farm tourism activity refers to any activity carried out on a farm that 
allows members of the general public, for educational, recreational, or 
entertainment purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities including, but 
not limited to, planting, picking fruits, harvesting vegetables, tasting 
wine or juices, tending bees, milking cows, watching butterflies, fishing,. 
horseback riding, and other farm activities or pursuits. An activity is a 
farm tourism activity whether or not the participant paid to participate in 
the activity. 


c) Farm tourism professional refers to a farmer or farm owner or any 
person who is engaged in the business of providing one or more farm 
tourism activities, whether or not for compensation. 
d) Farm tourism operator refers to the owner or recognized occupant of 
the farm or any person who is the overall in charge to a farm tourism 
location. 
e) Inherent risks of farm tourism activity means those dangers or 
conditions that are an integral part of a farm tourism activity including 
certain hazards, including surface and subsurface conditions, natural 
conditions of land, vegetation, waters, the behavior of wild or domestic 
animals and ordinary dangers of structures or equipment ordinarily used 
in farming operations. Inherent risks of farm tourism activity also 
include the potential of a participant to act in a negligent manner that 
may contribute to injury to the participant or others, including failing to 
follow instructions given by the farm tourism professional or operator, or 
failing to exercise reasonable caution while engaging in the farm tourism 
activity. 
f) Participant means any person including, but not limited to other 
farmers, visitors, travelers and tourists, who engages in a farm tourism 
activity. 
Section 4. Philippine Farm Tourism Framework for Development. The 
Department of Tourism (DOT), in consultation with the Department of 
Agriculture (DA) , Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),. 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), farm tourism owners and 
organizations, local government units, and the private sector, shall formulate a 
five-year Framework for Development, to be validated and updated annually. 
Such Framework shall serve as a guide in the formulation and implementation 
of plans, programs and projects for the development, and promotion of farm 
tourism, as envisioned in this Act. The. Framework shall likewise provide for the 
following: 
a. 
Site Identification - The DOT, in coordination with the DA, 
DENR, DAR and DOST, and the municipal, city and provincial 
governments concerned, shall identify viable farm tourism sites in 
the country, within six (6) months after the effectivity of this Act: 
Provided, that such site identification shall be reviewed at 
appropriate intervals to ensure consistency with the agrarian 
reform program and the national land use policy. 
b. 
Educational and Promotional Support - The DOT shall provide 
marketing advice and promotional support of accredited farm 
tourism sites in the country. The Department of Education 
(DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd); and the 
Philippine Information Agency (PIA) shall launch and pursue a 
nationwide campaign to help realize the policies and provisions of 


this Act, to promote farm tourism and inform the people of new 
farm tourism sites, and to promote the principle of sustainable 
development. 
c. 
Investment Promotion and Facilitation - The DOT and DTI 
shall develop programs establishing links between stakeholders in 
the farm tourism industry and Government Financial Institutions 
(GFIs) and other financial cooperatives. The DOT and DTI shall 
likewise develop and implement programs that would establish 
reasonable and innovative investment incentives to attract more 
players in the farm tourism industry; 
d. 
(ATI) 
Support and Extension - The Agricultural Training Institute 
of the DA, together with the Cooperative Development 
Authority (CDA), state universities and colleges, and other relevant 
government agencies shall establish programs which promote and 
provide adequate training on adapting technologies to farm 
tourism professionals and operators, strengthen farm tourism 
cooperatives and organizations, and afford opportunities for 
participation in international conventions, workshops and fora. 
e. 
Research and Development - The DOT and DA, together with 
the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural 
Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), shall establish 
and maintain a comprehensive farm tourism information system, 
which shall serve as a repository of all educational research and 
information related to farm tourism. The DOT and DA, in 
coordination with concerned agencies, shall likewise establish pilot 
farms in identified areas and prescribe the highest standards for 
the operation and maintenance of such tourism farms; 
f. 
Market Promotion and Development - The DOT, together with 
the DTI, shall link-Up agribusiness cooperatives and organizations 
directly with consumers' cooperatives and organizations. This also 
includes exploring national and international markets and 
facilitating the participation of local farm tourism professionals 
and operators in local and international conferences, trade fairs, 
and exhibits; 
g. 
Infrastrncture Development -
The Department of Public 
Works and Highways (DPWH) in cooperation with the concerned 
agencies shall prepare and implement a nationwide plan for the 
development of farm tourism markets; prioritize the construction of 
farm-to-market roads linking the farm tourism sites to markets, 
bus terminals, airports, train stations, ports and highways; and 
h. 
Establishment of Tourism Farms - Within the scope of the 
five-year development framework, the DA shall encourage the 


establishment of at least one (1) tourism farm in every province in 
the country. 
SECTION 5. ImpZementing Agency. There is hereby created a Philippine Farm 
Tourism Industry Development Coordinating Council (PFTIDCC), herein 
referred to as the Council, administratively attached to the DOT, charged with 
the main function of coordinating the activities of the various agencies and 
instrumentalities to ensure the development and promotion of farm tourism in 
the country. If ever practicable and required, the Chairman of the Council shall 
submit an annual report to both Houses of Congress on the status of the 
implementation of this Act. 
The Council shall have the following specific functions: 
a. 
Prepare and implement a Comprehensive National Farm 
Tourism Industry Development Plan; 
b. 
Recommend to the DA and DOT the areas that are prime for 
farm tourism but require infrastructure projects such as farm to 
market roads; 
c. 
Encourage the establishment of at least one (1) tourism farm 
in every province in the country; 
d. 
Launch and pursue a nationwide educational campaign to 
help realize the policies and provisions of this Act; 
e. 
Establish and maintain a comprehensive farm tourism 
information system; 
f. 
Formulate and implement farm tourism research and 
development projects, such as, but not limited to, organic farming, 
aqua culture, duckweed culture, livestock and poultry raising, 
aimed at increasing resource prodUctivity, improving resource 
use efficiency, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the 
country's farm tourism program; 
g. 
Provide for the registration, accreditation and the issuance of 
identification cards to farm tourism professionals and operators; 
h. 
Assist the LGUs in developing their technical capability m 
the development, management, regulation, conservation, and 
protection of farm tourism sites; 
1. 
Provide avenues for quality trainings, seminars, conventions, 
workshops among others; 
j. 
Monitor and review farm tourism agreements between 
Filipino 
citizens and foreigners who seek to invest in the farm 
tourism sector; 


k. Establish cooperation among farm tourism stakeholders, financial 
institutions, government agencies, non-government organizations,' 
people's organizations and other like-minded institutions and 
individuals in terms of partnerships and linkages; 
1. 
Enforce all laws, formulate and enforce all rules and regulations 
governing the conservation and management of farm tourism sites; 
and 
m. Perform such other related functions which shall· promote the 
development, promotion, conservation, management, protection and 
utilization of farm tourism sites. 
SECTION 6. Council Composition. The Philippine Farm Tourism Industry 
Development Coordinating Council (PFTIDCC) shall be composed of the 
following: 
a. Secretary of the Department of Tourism as Chairman; 
b. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture as Vice-Chairman; 
c. Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions of the DOT as head 
of the Council Secretariat; 
d. Director of the DA-Agricultural Technical Institute as head of the 
Technical Working Group; 
e. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR); 
f. Secretary ofthe Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH); 
g. Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); 
h. Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); 
1. Secretary of the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd); 
j. Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd); 
k. Director General of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA); 
1. 
Executive Director of the DOST-PCAARRD; 
m. Representative from the League of Municipalities of the Philippines; 
n. Representative from the League of Cities of the Philippines; and 
o. Two (2) representatives from farm tourism associations/organizations 
recognized by the DA or DOT. 
The Council shall regularly meet every three months and may· hold special 
meetings, whenever the need arises, to consider urgent matters upon the call of 
the Chairman or any eight (8) Council members. 


Section 7. Council Secretariat. The Council Secretariat shall be headed by 
the Undersecretary for Tourism Planning and Promotions of the DOT. Technical 
support shall be provided by the Technical Working Group as headed by the 
Director of the Agricultural Training Institute of the DA. 
The Secretariat and technical staff shall be detailed from the existing personnel 
of the Department of Tourism without prejudice to the designation by the 
Council of such additional staff members as it may deem necessary for the 
proper discharge of its functions and responsibilities. 
SECTION 8. Strict Adherence with Environmental Laws. The utilization of 
and development of all farm tourism sites under this Act shall be regulated by 
the DENR pursuant to all laws and statutes on the utilization and protection of 
natural resources and the environment, and must strictly comply with the land 
use plan approved by the local government unit concerned and the 
requirements imposed by existing DENR rules, regulations and other 
issuances, taking into consideration the sustainable use and deVelopment of' 
the farm tourism sites. 
Section 9. Incentives and Tax Exemptions. Duly accredited farm tourism 
professionals and operators are entitled to incentives and tax exemptions 
pursuant to the following provisions of the law: 
a) Section 24 of Republic Act '10068 or the Organic Agriculture Act of 
2010; 
b) Section 62 of Republic Act 6938 or the Cooperative Code of the 
Philippines; 
c) Section 133 (m) and (n) of Republic Act 7160 or the Local 
Government Code of 1991; 
d) Section 109 of RA 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries 
Modernization Act of 1997, as amended by Republic Act 9281; 
e) Chapter 3 (Credit) of Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and 
Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997; 
f) Article 2 of the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009; and 
g) Sections 7, 8, 9 and 10 of Republic Act 9178 or the Barangay Micro 
Business Enterprises (BMBE's) Act of 2002. 
SECTION 
10. 
Registration and Accreditation of Farm 
Tourism 
Operations. The Council shall provide guidelines and criteria in the 
registration of farm tourism operations. The DOT shall assess the application 
and endorse the result to the Council for approval. The registration shall be on 
a voluntary basis. There is no fee for registration and the list will be made 
available to the public by the Council. All registered operations will be 
promoted by the DA and DOT in conjunction with all other tourism and rural 
development promotions .. Registration is valid for five (5) years. 


SECTION 11. Warning Signage at Farm Tourism Locations. 
1) Every farm tourism professional must post and maintain signs that 
contain the warning notice specified in subsection (3) of this section, 
The sign must be placed in a clearly visible location at the entrance to 
the farm tourism location and at the site of the farm tourism activity, 
The warning notice must consist of a sign in black letters with each 
letter to be a minimum of one inch in height, Every written contract 
entered into by a farm tourism professional for the providing of 
professional services, instruction, or the rental of equipment to a 
participant, whether or not the contract involves farm tourism 
activities on or off the location or at the site of the farm tourism 
activity, must contain in clearly readable print the warning notice 
specified in subsection (2) of this section, 
2) The signs and contract described in subsection (1) of this section 
must contain the following notice of warning: 
"Warning: Under Philippine law, there is no liability for an injury to or 
death of a participant in a farm tourism activity conducted at this farm 
tourism location if such injury or death results from the inherent risks of 
the farm tourism activity, Inherent risks of farm tourism activities 
include, among others, risks of injury inherent to land, equipment, and 
animals, as well as the potential for you to act in a negligent manner that 
may contribute to your injury or death, You are assuming the risk of 
participating in this farm tourism activity," 
3) All registered operations shall provide to participants a written 
description of the registered farm tourism activities upon request, 
This signage provides that participants are assuming responsibility of 
any inherent risk. This act does not limit the liability of willful or 
wanton conduct by any farm tourism operators, 
Failure to comply with the requirement concerning warning signs and notices 
provided in this subsection will prevent a farm tourism professional from 
invoking the privileges of immunity provided in Section 12 in this Act. 
SECTION 12. Liability of Farm Tourism Professional, 
1) A farm tourism professional is not liable for injury to or death of a 
participant resulting from the inherent risks of farm tourism 
activities, so long as the warning contained in Section 11 is posted as 
required and except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, 
2) A farm tourism professional can be held liable for any of the following 
acts: 
a, Commits an act or omission that constitutes negligence of willful 
or wanton disregard for the safety of the participant, which 
consequently causes injury, damage, or death to the participant, 


b. Has actual knowledge or reasonably should have known of a 
dangerous condition on the land, facilities, or equipment used in 
the activity or the dangerous propensity of a particular animal 
used in such activity and does not make the danger known to the 
participant, which causes injury, damage, or death to the 
participant. 
Any limitation on legal liability afforded by this section to a farm tourism 
professional is in addition to any other limitations of legal liability otherwise 
provided by law. 
SECTION 13. Injury to Trespassers on Agricultural Lands. A farm tourism. 
operator shall not be held liable for negligence that results in the death of, 
injury to, or damage to a person who has engaged or is engaging in conduct on 
the property of the farm tourism operator that is unlawful under either Section 
14 or Section 15 of this Act or under Section 2 of the Republic Act 3815 or the 
Revised Penal Code of the Philippines. 
SECTION 14. Posting of Signs on Farm Tourism Sites. Signs prominently 
placed not more than one hundred fifty (150) meters apart along, and at each 
corner of the boundaries of the farm, in letters of not less than three (3) inches 
in height, the words "NO TRESPASSING" and in addition thereto the name/s of 
the farm tourism professional and / or operator. 
SECTION 15. Removing of Notices on Farm Tourism Sites. It is unlawful for 
any person to willfully remove, destroy, mutilate, or commit any act designed to 
remove, mutilate, or reduce the legibility or effectiveness of any posted notice 
placed by the farm tourism professional and/or operator pursuant to the 
provisions in this Act or as provided by law. 
SECTION 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Philippine Farm 
Tourism Industry Development Coordinating Council (PFTIDCC) is hereby given 
full power and authority to promUlgate such rules and regulations it may deem 
proper and necessary for the effective implementation of this Act. 
SECTION 17. Separability Clause. If any part or provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions thereof which are 
not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 18. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 19. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of 
general circulation. 
Approved,