EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
S ’C'.U'UC
©{(.If of l;jf S*rtr.'tcip
S E N A T E
Senate Bill No.
o 4
'19 JUL -1 All -07
M£L
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068 OR THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ACT 
OF 2010
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Organic Agriculture, as defined by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) 
of the United Nations, is a "holistic production management system which promotes and 
enhances the agro-ecosystem health, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil 
biological activity."1 Various studies and the experience of other countries recognize the 
positive effects of organic farming and products on the general health of farmers and 
consumers; its role in environmental protection, particularly soil fertility, reduction in the 
risk of groundwater and air pollution, and enhanced biodiversity; and organic farming 
as a viable and sustainable alternative to achieve food security and food self-sufficiency.
Republic Act No. 10068, otherwise known as the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, 
institutionalized the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the 
Philippines. Following its passage into law, the corresponding program, spearheaded by 
the National Organic Agriculture Board (NOAB) under the Department of Agriculture, 
envisioned that at least 5% of the country's agricultural land be devoted to the practice of 
organic farming by 2016.2 This has not been achieved to date owing to insufficient 
support from government and the problem of inclusivity, among others. To boost the 
sector, it is necessary to ensure that the needs of smallholder farmers and farmworkers 
who practice organic farming, and those who are planning to shift to organic farming, 
are met.
To address these, this representation respectfully submits amendments to the 
Organic Agriculture Law.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
F R A N C P A N G I L I N A N
FAO, Organic Agriculture, Available at b ttp ://www.fao.org/organicag/oa-faq/oa-faq6/en/. 
Accessed on 22 June 2019.
Department 
of 
Agriculture, 
National 
Organic 
Agriculture 
Program, 
Available 
at 
http://organic.da.gov.ph/index.php/2016-12-02-07-54-56/about-national-organic-agriculture- 
program, Accessed on 22 June 2019.


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Sessioti 
)
S E N A T E  
Senate Bill No.
/'4D(Iicf of li)f asi-crftnip
'19 JUL -1 All «7
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 
17
AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10068 OR THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ACT 
OF 2010
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 10068, otherwise known as "An Act 
Providing for the Development and Promotion of Organic Agriculture in the Philippines 
and for other Purposes," is hereby amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to promote, propagate, develop further, and implement the practice 
or 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 farm 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] BIO-PESTICIDES, and 
other farm inputs, together with a nationwide educational and promotional 
campaign for their use and processing^ SHALL BE ESTABLISHED.
1


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
LIKEWISE, A NATIONWIDE EDUCATIONAL AWARENESS 
CAMPAIGN AMONG CONSUMERS ON THE BENEFITS OF 
CONSUMING 
ORGANIC 
PRODUCTS 
TO 
BOOST 
LOCAL 
PRODUCTION OF ORGANIC FOOD AND NON-FOOD PRODUCERS, 
as well as adoption of organic agricultural system as a viable alternative 
shall be undertaken.
XXX"
SEC. 2. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 10068 is hereby amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following 
terms shall be defined as follows:
XXX
(O) BIO-HERBICIDE REFERS TO A SUBSTANCE USED IN THE 
CONTROL OF WEEDS WITHOUT ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS 
POSED BY OTHER SYNTHETIC COUNTERPARS. IT IS MADE UP OF 
MICROORGANISMS (E.G., BACTERIA, VIRUSES, FUNGI) AND 
OTHER MICROBES THAT POSSESS INVASIVE GENES THAT CAN 
ATTACK THE DEFENSE GENES OF SPECIFIC WEEDS THEREBY 
KILLING THEM.
(P) BIO-PESTICIDE REFERS TO A CERTAIN TYPE OF PESTICIDE 
DERIVED FROM SUCH NATURAL MATERIALS AS ANIMALS, 
PLANTS, BACTERIA, AND CERTAIN MINERALS. IT INCLUDES 
NATURALLY OCCURRING SUBSTANCES THAT CONTROL PESTS 
BY NON-TOXIC MECHANISM THAT INTEREERE WITH MATING,
AS WELL AS VARIOUS SCENTS OF PLANTS THAT ATTACT INSECT 
PESTS TO TRAPS. IT CAN ALSO INCLUDE MICROORGANISMS 
SUCH AS BACTERIUM, FUNGUS, VIRUS, OR PROTOOAL AS AN 
ACTIVE INGREDIENT.


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
(Q) PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEM (PCS) REFERS TO 
LOCALLY FOCUSED QUALITY ASSURANCE SYSTEMS DEVELOPED 
AND PRACTICED BY PEOPLE WHO ARE ACTUALLY ENGAGED IN 
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE. IT IS USED TO CERTIFY PRODUCERS 
AND FARMERS AS ACTUAL AND ACTIVE PRACTITIONERS OF 
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE, AND IS BUILT ON A FOUNDATION OF 
TRUST, SOCIAL NETWORK, AND KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE.
IT SHALL ALSO REFER TO AN ORGANIZATION OR 
ASSOCIATION THAT ADOPTS THIS KIND OF SYSTEM.
(R) PARTICIPATORY ORGANIC CERTIFICATION REFERS TO A 
DOCUMENTARY PROOF THAT A PERSON/ENTITY IS COMPLIANT 
WITH THE REQUIREMENTS, STANDARDS, AND NORM OF 
ORGANIC FARMING/AGRICULTURE.
(S) 
RECOGNITION 
REFERS 
TO 
AN 
AUTHORIZATION 
PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO AN ORGANIC CERTIFYING 
BODY OR A PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEM GROUP TO 
PERFORM CERTIFICATION AND INSPECTION ACTIVITIES.
(T) SMALL FARMERS REFER TO THOSE CULTIVATING NOT 
MORE THAN (5) HECTARES OF LAND AND/OR THOSE ENGAGED 
AS POULTRY/LIVESTOCK RAISERS WITH NOT MORE THAN THE
FOLLOWING:
POULTRY - 1,000 POULTRY LAYERS OR 5,000
BROILERS
SWINE - 10 SOW LEVEL OR 20 FATTENERS
NATIVE PIGS - 30 HEADS
CATTLE -10 FATTENERS OR 5 BREEDERS
DAIRY - 10 MILKING COWS


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
• 
GOAT - 50 HEADS
(U) 
AGRIBUSINESS REFERS TO AGRICULTURE-RELATED 
ACTIVITIES THAT PUT FARMERS, PROCESSORS, DISTRIBUTORS,
AND CONSUMERS WITHIN A SYSTEM THAT PRODUCES, 
PROCESSES, 
TRANSPORTS, 
MARKETS, 
AND 
DISTRIBUTES 
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS."
SEC. 3. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10068 is hereby amended, to read as follows: 
"SEC. 4. Coverage. - The provisions of this Act shall apply to the 
development and promotion of agriculture and shall include, but not 
limited to, the following:
XXX
(c) Promotion and encouragement of the establishment of facilities, 
equipment, and processing plants that would accelerate the production and 
commercialization of organic fertilizers, [pesticides] BIO-PESTICIDES, 
[herbic-ides] 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."
SEC. 4. Section 7 is hereby amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. 7. Composition of the NOAB. - The NOAB shall consist of:
XXX
(j) 
A representative each from the NGOs involved in sustainable 
agriculture for at least tliree (3) years; agricultural colleges and universities; 
and private sector or agribusiness firms INVOLVED OR PRACTICING IN 
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS; as 
members.


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
(k) TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE NATIONAL PCS, TO 
BE CHOSEN FROM AMONG AND BY THEMSELVES.
(l) TWO REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE LEAGUE OF ORGANIC 
AGRICULTURE 
MUNICIPALITIES 
AND 
CITIES 
OF 
THE 
PHILIPPINES (LOAMC-PH)
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 FARMERS' 
ORGANIZATIONS AT LEAST FROM THE PROVINCIAL LEVEL, 
ACTUALLY AND ACTIVELY PRACTICING, PROMOTING ORGANIC 
AND OTHER SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PRACTICES, be 
conversant in organic agriculture and committed to the policies and 
programs provided under this Act. THE THREE SEATS GIVEN TO 
SMALL FARMERS SHALL BE CHOSEN FROM LIVESTOCK AND 
CROP SECTORS, WHICH WILL HAVE ONE (1) AND TWO (2) SEATS, 
RESPECTIVELY.
XXX"
SEC. 5. Section 8 is hereby amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. 8. Organization of the NOAB. -
XXX
The Chairperson shall call the members of the NOAB, or a majority 
thereof if not all have been designated, to a meeting to organize themselves 
and prescribe its rules and procedures for the attainment of the objectives 
of this Act. A majority of all the members of the NOAB shall constitute a


2
3
1
quorum. THE MEMBERS OF THE NOAB SHALL MEET AT LEAST 
ONCE EVERY QUARTER AFTER ITS CONSTITUTION.
X X X."
4 
SEC. 6. Section 10 is hereby repealed, and a new Section 10 is hereby inserted, to
5 
read as follows:
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
"SEC. 10. THE BUREAU OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES 
STANDARDS (BAFS) OF THE DA. - THE BAFS OF THE DA SHALL BE 
STRENGTHENED 
AND 
EMPOWERED 
IN 
TERMS 
OF 
ESTABLISHING FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS AND INCREMENTAL 
STAFFING TO SERVE AS THE NATIONAL TECHNICAL AND 
ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARIAT OF THE NOAB WITH THE 
MEMBER AGENCIES PROVIDING ADDITIONAL STAFF SUPPORT 
AS THE NEED ARISES. THE BAFS, ACTING AS THE SECRETARIAT 
OF THE NOAB, SHALL COORDINATE AND ADMINISTER THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL ORGANIC AGRICULTURE 
PROGRAM PROMULGATED BY THE NOAB. IT SHALL BE 
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF A DATABASE ON THE 
ORGANIC 
FARMING/AGRICULTURE 
MOVEMENT 
IN 
THE 
COUNTRY AND SHOWROOM OF ALL AVAILABLE ORGANIC 
PRODUCTS AND TECHNOLOGIES IN THE MARKET, WHICH 
SHALL BE READILY ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE BAFS SHALL ALSO BE TASKED TO FORMULATE 
GUIDELINES IN THE RECOGNITION OF ORGANIC CERTIFYING 
BODIES 
(OCB) 
AND 
PGS 
GROUPS, 
AND 
RULES 
AND 
REGULATIONS 
IN 
ACCORDANCE 
WITH 
THIS 
ACT AND 
NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
1
TOWARDS 
THIS 
END, 
THE 
ALREADY 
ESTABLISHED 
FUNCTIONAL DIVISON LOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE WITHIN 
BAFPS SHALL BE FURTHER STRENGTHENED AND EMPOWERED 
TO PERFORM AS THE DESIGNATING AUTHORITY FOR THE 
RECOGNITION OF OCBS AND PGS GROUPS: PROVIDED, THAT 
THE REGIONAL FIELD OFFICES OF THE DA SHALL IMPLEMENT 
THE ORGANIC AGRICULTURE PROGRAMIN THE REGIONS
PURSUANT
TO
THE
NATIONAL
ORGANIC
FARMING/AGRICULTURE 
PROGRAM 
COORDINATED 
AND 
ADMINISTERED BY THE BAFS."
SEC. 7. A new provision is hereby inserted after Section 10, to read as follows: 
"SEC. 11. PARTICIPATORY GUARANTEE SYSTEMS (PGS). -
A. 
FEATURES
AND
CHARACTERISTICS.
THE
PARTICIPATORY 
ORGANIC 
CERTIFICATION 
FROM 
ASSOCIATIONS OR GROUPS, ACTUALLY PRACTICING 
ORGANIC 
AGRICULTURE, 
AND 
ORGANIZED 
IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THIS ACT, SHALL BE PROMOTED 
AND ACCEPTED. THE PRODUCTS CERTIFIED BY THESE
GROUPS SHALL BE TRADED ONLY IN THE DOMESTIC 
MARKET.
AN ASSOCIATION OR GROUP UNDER THE PGS SHALL 
ADHERE TO THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARDS 
(PNS) FOR ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ISSUED BY THE 
BUREAU 
OF 
AGRICULTURE 
AND 
FISHERIES 
STANDARDS, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE (BAFS- 
DA) AND TO THE FOLLOWING BASIC ELEMENTS SET


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
FORTH BY THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF 
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE MOVEMENT (IFOAM):
1. SHARED VISION
2. PARTICIPATORY
3. TRANSPARENCY
4. TRUST - INTEGRITY BASED APPROACH
5. LEARNING PROCESS
6. HORIZONTALITY
FURTHER, ASSOCIATIONS OR GROUPS UNDER THE 
PGS SHALL ADOPT THE FOLLOWING FEATURES AND 
CHARACTERISTICS:
i. 
EXISTENCE OF NORMS CONCEIVED BY THE 
STAKEHOLDERS THROUGH DEMOCRATIC AND 
PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES, WHICH SHALL 
ALWAYS 
BE 
IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE 
COMMONLY UNDERSTOOD SENSE OF WHAT 
CONSTITUTES AN ORGANIC PRODUCT. THE 
NORMS SHOULD STIMULATE, RATHER THAN 
INHIBIT, 
CREATIVITY, 
WHICH 
IS 
A 
CHARACTERISTIC OF ORGANIC FARMERS.
ii. 
GRASROOTS
ORGANIZATION:
THE
PARTICIPATORY CERTIFICATION SHOULD BE
PERCEIVED 
AS 
A 
RESULT 
OF 
A 
SOCIAL
DYNAMIC, 
BASED 
ON 
THE 
ACTIVE
PARTICIPATION OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS.
iii. 
EXISTENCE OF NORMS THAT ARE APPROPRIATE
TO SMALLHOLDER AGRICULTURE, BECAUSE


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
THE
PARTICIPATORY
NATURE
AND
HORIZONTAL STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAMS
ALLOW FOR MORE APPROPRIATE AND LESS
COSTLY MECHANISMS OF CERTFICATION, AND
ACTUALLY HIGHLIGHT AND CELEBRATE AND
ENCOURAGE 
CONSUMERS 
TO 
SEEK 
OUT
SMALLHOLDERS.
iv. 
EXISTENCE OF PRINCIPLES AND VALUE THAT
ENHANCE THE LIVELIHOODS AND WELL BEING
OF 
FARMING 
FAMILIES 
AND 
PROMOTE
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE.
V. 
DOCUMENTED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND
PROCEDURES - THERE MAY BE MINIMAL
PAPERWORK REQUIRED OF FARMERS BUT
THERE SHALL BE WAYS IN WHICH THEY ARE
EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR ORGANIC
COMMITMENTS AND INTEGRITY. THESE WAYS
SHALL BE DOCUMENTED BY THE PGS.
vi. 
PROVISION 
OF 
MECHANISMS 
TO 
VERIFY
FARMERS' COMPLIANCE WITH ESTABLISHED
NORMS, WHICH SHALL BE ABLE TO STIMULATE
PARTICIPATION, ORGANIZATION, AND ALLOW
LEARNING
STAKEHOLDERS.
PROCESS
FOR
ALL
vii. 
PROVISION OF MECHANISMS FOR SUPPORTING
FARMERS TO PRODUCE ORGANIC PRODUCTS
AND BE CERTIFIED AS ORGANIC FARMERS,


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
WHICH SHALL INCLUDE FIELD ADVISORS, 
NEWSLETTERS, FARM VISITS, ETC. 
viii. 
EXISTENCE OF A BOTTOMLINE DOCUMENT, 
SUCH AS A FARMER'S PLEDGE, THAT SHALL 
STATE 
HIS/HER 
AGREEMENT 
TO 
THE 
ESTABLISHED NORMS.
ix. 
INTRODUCTION OR USE OF SEALS OR LABELS 
PROVIDING EVIDENCE OF ORGANIC STATUS.
X. 
EXISTENCE OF A CLEAR AND PREVIOUSLY 
DEFINED SET OF CONSEQUENCES FOR FARMERS 
WHO DO NOT COMPLY WITH STANDARDS, 
WHOSE ACTIONS SHALL BE RECORDED IN A 
DATABASE OR MADE PUBLIC IN A CERTAIN 
MANNER.
B. 
REGISTRATION. A PGS SHALL BE REGISTERED WITH 
THE BAFS ONLY IF IT HAS AT LEAST FIVE (5) MEMBERS, 
COMING FROM DIFFERENT FARMS IN THE LOCALITY 
AND WHO ARE ACTUALLY PRACTICING ORGANIC 
AGRICULTURE. 
THE BAFS 
SHALL 
PROVIDE THE 
GUIDELINES FOR SUCH REGISTRATION.
THE BAFS SHALL ISSUE ITS DECISION ON THE 
APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION BY A PGS WITHIN 
FIFTEEN (15) DAYS FROM THE SUBMISSION OF THE 
COMPLETE REQUIREMENTS FOR APPLICATION FOR 
REGISTRATION, AND FAILURE TO RENDER DECISION 
WITHIN SUCH PERIOD SHALL BE UNDERSTOOD AS AN 
APPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
OF THE PCS. THE BAFS SHALL NOT CHARGE ANY 
REGISTRATION OR APPLICATION FEES.
UPON 
APPROVAL OF ITS 
APPLICATION 
FOR 
REGISTRATION WITH THE BAFS, A PGS MAY BEGIN TO 
OPERATE 
ONCE 
IT 
IS 
RECOGNIZED 
BY 
THE 
SANGGUNIAN PANGBAYAN OR PANGLUNGSOD.
C. 
ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS.
1. THE CORE PGS. EVERY PGS SHOULD HAE AT LEAST 
FIVE (5) MEMBERS, COMPOSED OF FARMERS FROM 
EITHER THE CROPS OR LIVESTOCK SECTORS OR A 
COMBINATION OF BOTH SECTORS, AND WHO ALL 
LIVE IN THE SAME MUNICIPALITY OR CITY AND 
REGULARLY INTERACT WITH EACH OTHER. EACH 
CORE PGS WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES 
AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
i. 
DEVELOP 
AN 
UNDERSTANDING 
OF 
THE 
ORGANIC STANDARDS;
ii. 
MAKE 
SURE 
FARM 
PRACTICES 
ARE 
COMPLIANT;
iii. 
MAKE A PLEDGE THAT THEY UNDERSTAND 
AND ADHERE TO THE ORGANIC STANDARDS;
iv. 
PARTICIPATE IN APPRAISALS/INSPECTIONS OF 
MEMBER FARMS AT LEAST A MAJORITY OF THE 
MEMBERS OF THE CORE GROUP SHOULD BE 
PRESENT TO SIGN ON THE TRUTHFULNESS OF
THE
FINDINGS
OF
THE
APPRAISAL/INSPECTION;
11


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
V . 
INITIATE KEY FIELD TRAININGS FOR FARMER-
MEMBERS 
AND 
RESIDENTS 
IN 
THEIR
LOCALITY
TO
PROMOTE
ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE;
vi. 
ATTEND 
MUNICIPAL/PRO VINCI AE 
PGS 
MEETINGS AND SHARE INFORMATION;
vii. 
RECOMMEND 
WHICH 
FARMS 
WILL 
BE 
CERTIFIED;
viii. 
TAKE 
ACTIONS 
ON 
DEFAULTS/NON- 
COMPLIANCE AS PER SANCTION GUIDELINES 
TO 
BE 
PROVIDED 
BY 
BAFPS 
AND 
MUNICIPAiyCITY PGS; AND
ix. 
ASSIST DEFAULTING AND NON-COMPLIANT
MEMBERS 
TO 
REGAIN 
CERTIFICATION 
STATUS.
2. MLlNICIPAiyCITY PGS. THE MUNICIPAL/CITY PGS 
SHALL BE COMPOSED OF THE FOLLOWING: 1) 
MUNICIPAL/CITY AGRICULTURAL OFFICER; 2) ONE 
(1) 
REPRESENTATIVE 
FROM 
LOCAL 
STATE 
UNIVERSITY OR COLLEGE (SUC) 
OR LOCAL 
PRIVATE 
AGRICULTURAL 
EDUCATIONAL 
INSTITUTION; 3) ONE (1) BARANGAY CAPTAIN 
FROM THE MUNICIPAL/CITY, DESIGNATED BY THE 
MAYOR, REPRESENTING THE CONSUMERS; AND 4) 
ONE (1) REPRESENTATIVE FOR EACH CORE PGS IN 
THE MUNICIPALITY/CITY.
12


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
THE MUNICIPAL/CITY PGS SHALL CONDUCT 
ITS BUSINESS AND AFFAIRS BASED ON MAJORITY 
DECISION OF MEMBERS PRESENT, AFTER HAVING 
SECURED A QUORUM.
THE MUNICIPAL/CITY PGS SHALL HAVE TH 
EFOLLOWING 
POWERS, 
DUTIES, 
AND 
RESPONSIBILITIES:
DEVELOP OR UPDATE AND IMPLEMENT THE 
GUARANTEE PROGRAM IN ACCORDANCE 
WITH 
THE 
PGS 
ORGANIC 
GUARANTEE 
SCHEME;
11.
111.
IV.
ENSURE 
THAT 
GUARANTEED 
FARMER
MEMBERS
COMPLY
WITH
ALL
REQUIREMENTS 
OF 
THE 
APPLICABLE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARDS (PNS) ON 
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE AND RELEVANT 
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS;
CONDUCT PEER REVIEWS AND EVALUATION 
ACTIVITIES 
(E.G., 
ANNUAL 
ON-SITE 
INSPECTIONS) OF APPROVED SCOP^/S BASED 
ON THE PGS ORGANIC GUARANTEE SCHEME; 
HEAR AND ADDRESS APPEALS OF THE 
FARMER MEMBERS;
SUBMIT 
THEIR 
ORGANIZATION 
TO 
INSPECTION AND MONITORING ACTIVITIES 
OF THE BAFPS (INCLUDING OBSERVER/S), THE 
COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS COMMITTEE,
13


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
V I.
AND THE AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL OF THE
DA REGIONAL FIELD OFFICES. THIS SHALL
INCLUDE 
THE 
ANNUAL 
SURVEILLANCE
THROUGH WITNESS AUDITS OF THE BAFPS;
MAINTAIN 
A 
REGISTRY 
OF CORE 
PGS
OPERATING 
WITHIN 
ITS 
AREA 
OF
JURISDICTION, 
WHICH 
SHALL
BE
FORWARDED 
TO 
THE 
BAFPS 
FOR 
THE
LATTER'S NATIONAL DATA BASE;
v n .
ISSUE
PARTICIPATORYORGANIC
CERTIFICTION AND THE "PGS GUARANTEED 
ORGANIC" LBEI/MARK TO COMPLIANT CORE 
PGS, AFTER BEING BESTOWED ITSELF WITH 
THE RECOGNITION BY THE BAFS.
3.PROVINCIAL AND NATIONAL PGS. IT SHALL BE THE 
OPTION 
OF 
THE 
PGS 
TO 
FORM 
THEIR 
AGGRUPATION 
AT 
THE 
PROVINCIAL 
AND 
NATIONAL LEVELS. THEY SHALL RECEIVE THE 
ASSISTANCE, SUPPORT, AND GUIDANCE OF THE 
BAFPS-DA IN THIS REGARD.
D. 
PROMOTION. THE BAFS SHALL ACTIVELY PROMOTE 
AND SEARCH FOR ASSOCIATION OR GROUPS THAT 
HAVE BEEN PRACTICING ORGANIC AGRICULTURE FOR 
REGISTRATION AS PGS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS 
ACT. THE BAFS SHALL ENSURE THAT EACH PROVINCE 
IN THE COUNTRY HAS A PGS. EVERY PGS SHALL 
CONDUCT 
TRAININGS AND PROMOTE ORGANIC
14


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
1
AGRICULTURE IN THEIR SPECIHC LOCALITIES TO 
STRENGTHEN AND BOOST THE NUMBER OF ORGANIC 
FARMS BY AT LEAST 1% ANNUALLY PER PROVINCE, 
MEASURED BY AREA CULTIVATED.
TRAINING AND INSPECTION. THE BAFPS SHALL TRAIN 
AND CONDUCT RANDOM INSPECTIONS OF PGS TO 
ENSURE THAT THEY ARE ALL COMPLIANT WITH THE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARDS ON ORGANIC 
AGRICULTURE. 
IT 
SHALL 
KEEP 
A 
RECORD 
OF 
COMPLIANT PGS IN THE COUNTRY AND SHALL 
PUBLISH A LIST A LIST OF SUCH COMPLIANCE AT
LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
F. 
INCENTIVES.
ANY
ORGANIC
AGRICULTURE
ENTITY/FARMER OR ORGANIC INPUT PRODUCER, 
CERTIFIED BY A REGISTERED PGS TO BE COMPLIANT 
FOR A PERIOD OF FIVE (5) YEARS, WITHOUT ANY 
OFFENSE OR INFRACTION, SHALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR A 
FULL GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY OF THE COST FOR AN 
INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATION.
SEC. 8. Sections 11 to 15 are hereby renumbered accordingly.
SEC. 9. Section 16 is hereby renumbered and amended, to read as follows: 
"SEC. [16] 17. Registration of Organic Food and Organic Input Producers. 
- All organic food and input establishments must register witli 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 an electronic portal and shall contain such information as
15


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
the director by guidance may determine to be appropriate. Such registration 
shall contain the following information:
XXX
(f) For organic input producers, a list of materials used in the 
production of each particular input.
PROVIDED, THAT IN CASE OF DIRECT SELLING TO 
CONSUMERS MADE BY SMALL OR FAMILY FARMERS, WHO WERE 
ALREADY EARLIER REGISTERED WITH BAFPS OR WITH THE LGU, 
COMPLIANCE WITH THIS SECTION SHALL BE OPTIONAL."
SEC. 10. Section 17 is hereby renumbered and amended, to read as follows: 
"SEC. [17] 18. Libeling of Organic Produce. - 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- is alloweel --to-be-labeleil-as- organically produced.] THE 
ORGANIC LABEL/MARK SHALL ALSO INCLUDE THE TRADE 
NAME AND ORIGIN ADDRESS OF THE PRODUCE.
PRODUCTS WHICH ARE CERTIFIED AND GUARANTEED BY 
THIRD-PARTY ORGANIC PRODUCTION SYSTEMS, INCLUDING 
THOSE WITH CERTIFICATION FROM THE PGS, SHALL BE 
ALLOWED TO BE LABELLED AND SOLD AS ORGANIC.
ALL OTHER PRODUCTS, NON-CERTIFIED PRODUCTS AND 
FIRST-PARTY CERTIFIED PRODUCTS, SHALL BE PROHIBITED 
FROM BEING LABELLED AS ORGANIC."
SEC. 11. Section 18 is hereby renumbered accordingly.
SEC. 12. Section 19 is hereby renumbered and amended, to read as follows: 
"SEC. [19] 20. Availability of Trading Post for Organic Inputs. - Local 
chief executives shall establish, as far as practicable, at least one (1) trading
16


2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26 
27
1
post for organic inputs for every LGU in the area of jurisdiction. THE 
TRADING POST SHALL BE STRATEGICALLY LOCATED IN AN 
AREA SUCH AS IN THE PUBLIC MARKET AND IN OTHER CENTERS 
OF TRADING AND LOCAL BUSINESS ACTIVITIES."
SEC, 13, Sections 20 to 25 are hereby renumbered accordingly.
SEC. 14. Section 26 is hereby renumbered and amended, to read as follows:
"SEC. [26] 27. Penal Provisions AND OTHER PENALTIES. - Any 
person who willfully and deliberately:
XXX
(c) mislabels or claims that the product is organic when it is not in 
accordance with the existing standards for Philippine organic agriculture or 
this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by imprisonment of not less 
than one (1) month nor more than six (6) months, or a fine of not more than 
fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court. If 
the offender is a corporation or a juridical entity, the official who ordered 
or allowed the commission of the offense shall be punished with the same 
penalty. If the offender is in the government service, he shall, in addition, 
be dismissed from office: PROVIDED, THAT ANY PGS FOUND TO 
HAVE ISSUED A CERTIFICATION TO A FARM OR PRODUCER 
ESTABLISHED TO BE NOT IN COMPLIANT TO A FARM OR 
PRODUCER ESTABLISHED TO BE NOT IN COMPLIANT WITH ANY 
OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STANDARDS ON ORGANIC 
AGRICULTURE, SHALL BE PENALIZED AS FOLLOWS:
1. FIRST OFFENSE: WRITTEN WARNING
2. SECOND
OFFENSE:
SUSPENSION
OF
RECOGNITION'
SEC, 15. Sections 27 to 32 are hereby renumbered accordingly.
17


1 
SEC. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NOAB shall adopt rules and
2 
regulations to implement the provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days from the
3 
effectivity of this Act and submit the same to the Congressional Oversight Committee on 
Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization (COCAFM) for review and approval.
SEC. 17. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orciers, 
presidential proclamations, rules and regulations, or parts thereof contrary to or 
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 18. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
9 
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette. 
Approved,
18