Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

743

Je
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

According to studies, proliferation of urban farming is beneficial to the urban community
as the vegetation absorbs watcr runoff by storing water from rain, improves air quality, reduces
noise pollution, and mitigates urban heat. Tt can also serve as a natural habitat and wildlife
corridor for migrating species and act as a carbon sink.

In view of the above benefits and to encourage people to embrace urban farming, this bill
provides for a real property tax credit worth ten (10) pesos for every square meter allotted to and
maintained urban farm.

This measure was previously filed by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago in the 15 Congr
Immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought now in the 16® Congress.

H Re oars

Representative
First District of Northern Samar



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BILLNO.__743

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
PROMOTING URBAN FARMING AND PROVIDING FUNDS AND
INCENTIVES THEREFOR

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 "Urban Farming Act.”

SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policy. Itis the policy of the State to protect and advance the right
of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of
nature. Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to promote activities that will ensure that its
people will continue to live in a sustainable and healthy environment.

SECTION 3. Definition. "Urban farming" shall mean any act of farming in a city using land or
the space of a building, including but not limited to a roof of a building, that is partially or
completely covered with vegetation through the use of any growing medium such as but is not
limited to pots, plots and/or membranes.

SECTION 4. Tax Credit. Any eligible building or improvement shall receive a Real Property Tax
credit in the amount of Ten (10) pesos for every square meter allotted to and maintained urban
farm, Provided such Real Property Tax credit shall not exceed the lesser of (a) One hundred
thousand pesos (100,000.00) or (b) the Real Property Tax liability for the eligible building or
improvement, at any given taxable year.

SECTION 5. Urban Farming Council Creation; Composition. There is hereby established an
"Urban Farming Council" which shall be attached to the Department of Agriculture. The
‘Council shall consist of the following members:

A. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, who shall serve as chair of the Council;


B, Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources;
C. Secretary of Department of Finance;

D. National Chair of the League of the Cities of the Philippines

E. A representative from the private sector who have an expertise in Urban farming and/or
vertical farming;

SECTION 6. Council Functions. The council shall have the following duties, powers and
functions:

A. Study and make recommendations regarding the impact of urban farming, vertical farming,
and sustainable living communities;

B. To promulgate implementing guidelines, programs, and operating principles in the light of
government policies and objectives of this Act;

C. To issue certification/s for the eligibility of building spaces and applicants in Tax credit;

D. To monitor and carry out the implementation of this Act;

E. Generally, to exercise all powers and functions necessary for the objectives and purposes of
this Act;

F. Submit annual report to the Congress of its findings and recommendations;

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Agriculture shall, in
coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of
Finance shall promulgate rules and regulates for the effective implementation of this Act and
shall regularly monitor strict compliance therewith.

SECTION 8. Local Government Units, Cities. - All Cities where urban farming activities are
conducted shall extend whatever assistance necessary for the urban farmer to exercise Urban
Farming and benefit from the incentives of this Act.

SECTION 9. Appropriations. The amount necessary to implement the provisions of this Act shall
be included and incorporated in the Annual General Appropriations of the various agencies of the
government involved in the implementation of this Act.

SECTION 10. Separability Clause .. - If any part or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional
or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be
in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause ..- All laws, orders, rules or regulations which are inconsistent
with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation

Approved,