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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In 2020, the agricultural sector has employed around 22.52% Filipinos. Yet, in the 
same period, the sector contributed to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 
by only 10 percent1. 
This proposed measure aims to support current agricultural entrepreneurship training 
initiatives. Men and women will be trained as agriculture entrepreneurs (agri-
preneurs), equipped not just with hands-on agriculture experience but also business 
savvy. This can be accomplished through a laddered system of agricultural education 
and training at the post-secondary level, which can be an extension of the Rural Farm 
Schools curriculum, a training-program initiative enshrined in the Rural Farm Schools 
Act of 2013 (RA 10618).  
This bill intends to infuse the agriculture sector with the much-needed entrepreneurial 
spirit to make Philippine agriculture more productive for able-bodied Filipinos. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most earnestly sought. 
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
October 20, 2022
1:53 pm
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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
AN ACT 
TO DEVELOP AND STRENGTHEN THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION AND 
TRAINING IN THE COUNTRY THROUGH THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF 
MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT FOR AGRICULTURAL ENTREPREURSHIP IN 
THE POST-SECONDARY LEVEL 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in the 
Congress assembled: 
 SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Entrepreneurial Agricultural 
Education Act”. 
 SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
promote the sustained development of a reservoir of national talents consisting of 
Filipino scientist, entrepreneurs; professionals, managers, high-level technical 
manpower and skilled workers and craftsmen in all fields. Towards this end, manpower 
education and training in the agricultural sector must be developed and strengthened 
in order to provide the country with a pool of educated and skilled agricultural 
manpower equipped with appropriate skills in agriculture and business, and desirable 
work habits and attitudes.  
 SECTION 3. Agricultural Manpower Education and Entrepreneurship System. – 
The State hereby establishes the Agricultural Manpower Education and 
Entrepreneurship System (AMEES) that will assume a leadership role in the post-
secondary, vocational or tertiary level of agricultural and entrepreneurship education, 
following completion of the rural farm school’s curriculum in the secondary level. 
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 SECTION 4. Objectives. – This Act primarily aims to develop and strengthen the 
agricultural education and training in the country through the institutionalization of 
manpower development for agricultural entrepreneurship in the post-secondary level. 
It shall have the following specific objectives: 
a. 
Encourage the application of manpower development for agricultural 
entrepreneurship in agricultural, technical and vocational education and training 
by both public and private schools within the context of existing agricultural; 
training and education system; 
 
b. 
Promote investment in manpower education and training for agriculture 
entrepreneurship by both public and private sectors especially in rural areas; 
 
c. 
Enhance the managerial skills and technical competence of students of 
agriculture by equipping them with the analytical and creative thinking and 
problem-solving abilities; manipulative competencies suitable for occupational 
standards and requirements; values and attitudes with the emphasis on work 
ethics, quality orientation, discipline, honesty, self-reliance and patriotism; and, 
 
d. 
Strengthen training cooperation between agricultural, industrial and business 
establishments and education institutions by designing and implementing 
relevant training programs in close coordination with local government units. 
 
SECTION 5. Definition of Terms. – For purpose of this Act, the following terms shall 
mean: 
a. 
Agricultural Entrepreneurship refers to the process of identifying, starting and 
managing a farm business or enterprise, sourcing and organizing the required 
resources and taking both the risks and rewards associated with the venture; 
 
b. 
Manpower education and training refers to the instructional delivery system of 
agricultural, technical and vocational education and training that combines hands-on 
and in-school training based on a training plan designed and implemented by an 
accredited 
manpower 
education 
and 
training 
institution 
for 
agricultural 
entrepreneurship and accredited dual system agricultural, industrial and business 


establishment with prior notice and advice to the local government unit concerned; 
 
c. 
Trainee refers to a person qualified to undergo the manpower education and 
training for agriculture entrepreneurship; 
 
d. 
Farm Business Schools are post-secondary schools where students, who are 
graduates of the Rural Farm Schools or any qualified secondary institution specializing 
in agriculture, shall be trained on agricultural entrepreneurship; 
 
e. 
Accredited dual training system education institution or training center refers to 
a public or private institution duly recognized and authorized by the TESDA in 
coordination with the agricultural sector, business and industry, to participate in the 
manpower education and training for agricultural entrepreneurship; 
 
f. 
Accredited Dual training system agricultural, industrial and business 
establishment refers to a juridical entity duly recognized and authorized by the TESDA 
to participate in the dual system for manpower education and training for agricultural 
entrepreneurship; and 
 
g. 
Establishments refers to enterprise or services, or both, of agricultural, 
Industrial, or business establishments. 
 
SECTION 6. Institutionalization of the Manpower Education and Training for 
Agricultural Entrepreneurship. – The manpower education and training for 
agriculture entrepreneurship, hereafter the System, shall be institutionalized in the 
Philippines. It shall form as part of the post-secondary education curriculum as 
provided in this Act. 
 
SECTION 7. Coverage. – This Act shall apply to all public and private educational 
institutions or training centers, and agricultural, industrial and business establishments 
duly accredited to participate in the manpower education and training for agricultural 
entrepreneurship. 
 
SECTION 8. Components of the Manpower Education and Training for 


Agricultural Entrepreneurship. – The manpower and training for agricultural 
entrepreneurship shall have the following components: 
1. 
There shall be a laddered system of agriculture and entrepreneurship education 
that begins in the post-secondary level following the completion of the Rural Farm 
School curriculum as provided in Republic Act. No. 10618 (Rural Farm Schools Act of 
2013), or upon graduation in any qualified secondary institution, and culminates in 
applicable collegiate courses. The post-secondary program shall involve the 
conferment of a Diploma in Agricultural Entrepreneurship upon graduation of the 
trainee from the Farm Business Schools who shall have the option to continue his 
studies in partner universities for a degree in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurial 
Management, major in Farm Business; 
 
2. 
There shall be created for each administrative region (excluding the National 
Capital Region) an AMEES Development School or Farm Business School, and such 
other schools as may be established by law; 
 
3. 
There shall be an instructional delivery system of agricultural, technical and 
vocational education and training in each Farm Business School that implements 
blended learning consisting of hand on, in-school and online modules based on a 
training plan designed and implemented by an accredited manpower education and 
training institution for agricultural entrepreneurship and accredited dual system 
agricultural, industrial and business establishments with prior notice and advice to the 
local government unit concerned. Under this dual system, said establishments and the 
educational institution share the responsibility of providing the trainee with the through 
practical training, and, when possible, remote training, and the latter, by providing an 
adequate level of specific, general and theoretical instruction on agriculture and 
entrepreneurial management; 
 
4. 
The AMEES shall include instruction on vital values on citizenship, governance, 
entrepreneurship, work ethics, quality orientation, discipline, honesty, and self-
reliance; 
 
5. 
The partnership between the public, private and voluntary sectors shall be a 
crucial component of the AMEES in both academic content and in on-the-job, hands-


on, or remote training; and, 
 
6. 
The AMEES shall also be promoted among poor farming families and out-of-
school youth in the rural areas and in agrarian reform communities. The AMEES shall 
ensure that poor and deserving youths receive the necessary grants and scholarships. 
 
SECTION 9. Board of Trustees. – There shall be a Board of Trustees, herein referred 
to as the Board, composed of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) as 
ex-officio Chairman, the Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) 
as ex-officio Vice Chairman, and the following members: 
1. 
The Chairman of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority 
(TESDA); 
2. 
The Director of the Bureau of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise and 
Development (BMSMED); 
3. 
The Director of the DA-Agricultural Training Institute (ATI); 
4. 
Two (2) Representatives from the private sector representing higher education, 
industry, agriculture, and new and emerging agricultural technologies; and, 
5. 
Representatives from a non-governmental organization. 
 
The representatives from the private sector and non-government organizations shall 
be appointed by the Chairman, subject to the confirmation of the Board of Trustees. 
The member of the Board shall serve for four years. 
 
SECTION 10. Powers and Functions of the Board. – The Board shall exercise the 
following powers and functions: 
 
a. 
Formulate policies and guidelines for the administration and operation of the 
AMEES; 
b. 
Formulate policies on the appointment, promotion, retention, removal, renewal, 
rewards and incentives for administrators, faculty and staff; 
c. 
Craft and approve the AMEES curricula; 
d. 
Approve the criteria for the selection and admission of students; 
e. 
Approve the grant scholarship, stipend and such allowances for students; 
f. 
Approves the graduation of successful candidates from the various AMEES 
campuses or farm business schools; 


g. 
Formulate policies and rules of discipline for students, faculty, and staff; 
h. 
Approves the AMEES budget and appropriate to the ends specified by law such 
sums as may be provided by law for the support of the system; 
i. 
Receive grants whether cash, land, building and improvements thereof; 
donations, contributions, bequest, gifts, and to formulate policies for the 
administration thereof; 
j. 
Develop policies for the expansion of enrollment in the campuses under the 
AMEES; 
k. 
Set policies and criteria to rationalize the establishment of AMEES schools under 
the System. For its evaluation and approval thereof; 
l. 
Prepare strategic plan to enhance the capability of the AMEES in developing 
human resources with focus on youth with special aptitudes and inclination to 
agriculture and entrepreneurship; 
m. 
Identify training centers/institutions that will provide manpower training and 
education; and, 
n. 
Perform such other functions as may be necessary to implement the provisions 
of this Act. 
 
SECTION 11. Career Management Development Division. – The Career 
Management Development Division (CMDD) of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) 
of the Department of Agriculture (DA) shall plan, set standards, coordinate, monitor 
and allocate resources in the implementation of the provisions of this Act and in 
support of the in plant, on-the-job, or remote training components of the AMEES: 
Provided, That the agricultural and agro-industrial establishment shall be required to 
furnish the AMEES with the necessary information for the purpose of supervision.  
 
The CMDD shall be healed by a Division Chief (DC). The DC shall be assisted by such 
other personnel as may be necessary for the effective discharge of the functions of 
the office. 
 
SECTION 12. Duties and Functions of the Division Chief. – The DC shall perform 
the following duties and functions: 
1) 
Coordinate curriculum planning activities for the AMEES; 
2) 
Coordinate publication of the farm business outputs of the teachers, 


administrators and students from the AMEES; 
3) 
Provide legal and technical support to the members of the System; 
4) 
Coordinate exchange programs with other educational institutions both local and 
foreign, including youth development and empowerment organization such as 
the 4-H Club; 
5) 
Develop and coordinate linkages and networking among the campuses of the 
AMEES with other institutions; 
6) 
Coordinates the implementation of the program for the identification and 
selection of scholars for the AMEES; 
7) 
Provide for the secretariat services of the Board of Trustees; and, 
8) 
Perform such other functions as may be deemed necessary for the effective 
discharge of the DCs duties. 
 
SECTION 13. Status of Trainee. – Any student who is a bona fide graduate of a Rural 
Farm School or any qualified secondary educational institution shall be eligible to 
enroll in a farm business school. For the duration of the post-secondary manpower 
training under the System, the trainee is to be considered not an employee of the 
business/industrial establishment but rather a trainee of both the accredited dual 
training system educational institution and the agricultural, industrial and business 
establishments: Provided, That the union or the workers of the latter have been duly 
informed in advance of such a trainee who has successfully completed a training 
program in a particular agricultural, industrial or business establishment shall be given 
priority of employment in that agricultural, industrial or business establishment. The 
CHED shall keep a roll of these successful trainees for purposes of identifying them 
for employment. 
 
SECTION 14. Obligations of the Accredited Educational Institutions or Training 
Centers. – The educational institutions or training centers that have entered into a 
memorandum of agreement with agricultural, industrial or business establishments to 
undertake training shall: 
a. 
Ensure that the necessary skills and knowledge are Imparted to the trainee 
during his in-school trainings in accordance with an approved training plan;   
b. 
Appoint the training officer/s to implement the training plan; 
c. 
Make available, free of charge, the, consumable materials and basic hand tools 


and equipment necessary for the training; 
d. 
Allow the trainee to attend training and to take examinations, whether in school 
or online; 
e. 
Require the trainee to keep his report book up to date and inspect such books; 
f. 
Ensure that the trainee is encouraged to develop his personality and that the is 
protected from physical or moral danger; 
g. 
Entrust to the trainee such jobs as are related to the purpose of his training and 
are commensurate with his capabilities; 
h. 
Pay to the accredited educational institution/training center the daily allowance 
of the trainee; 
i. 
Allow the trainee the necessary time off for his in-school training; and, 
j. 
Perform such other obligations in accordance with the provisions of this Act and 
other prevailing laws of the Philippines. 
 
SECTION 15. Obligations of the Trainee. – A trainee shall exert every effort to 
acquire   the skills and knowledge necessary for him to achieve the purpose of his 
training. Towards this end, the trainee shall: 
a. 
Carefully perform the jobs entrusted to him as part of his training; 
b. 
Take part in training programs for which he has been granted time off under this 
Act; 
c. 
Follow the Instruction given to him as part of his training by the training officer or 
any other person entitled to give him such instructions; 
d. 
Observe rules of behavior in the training premises; 
e. 
Use tools, Instruments, machines and other equipment with due care; 
f. 
 Not reveal any business or trade secrets that have come to his knowledge in the 
course of his training; 
g. 
Keep his record books up to date; and, 
h. 
Perform such other obligations in the attainment of the objectives of this Act. 
 
SECTION 16. Memorandum of Agreements. – Prior to the commencement of any 
manpower training, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) shall be signed by all parties 
which shall stipulate the following, among others: 
1) 
the training plan; 
2) 
the nature and objective of the training; 


3) 
the commencement and duration of the training period, including the total 
number of in-plant/farm training hours; 
4) 
the normal daily training hours; 
5) 
the trainee's allowance and the rate to be applied, which shall not be less than 
seventy-five (75) per cent of the applicable minimum daily wage; 
6) 
the rights and obligations of the parties concerned in addition to those provided 
in Sections 14,15 and 16; 
7) 
the definition of the status of the trainee according to Section 13 of this Act; 
8) 
the conditions for the termination of the training agreement; 
9) 
the performance, monitoring and evaluation system; and, 
10) such other essential particulars as would mutually benefit all parties concerned. 
 
SECTION 17. Loan Programs for the Purchase of Blended Learning Tools and 
Equipment. – To achieve the objectives under Sec. 14 of this Act, concessional loan 
programs shall be developed by appropriate Government Financial Institutions (GRs) 
for the purchase of blended learning tools and equipment by Accredited Educational 
Institutions or Training Centers, such as computers, laptops, tablets, and other ICT 
devices and equipment necessary to conduct and access related trainings and 
learning materials. 
 
SECTION 18.  Incentives for the Trainees. – 
a. 
Every agricultural, industrial and business establishment undertaking training, 
in accordance with the provisions of this Act, shall sign a life and/or accident insurance 
policy on the life of the trainee with the insured and the spouse, children or parents of 
the trainee as the beneficiaries thereof: Provided/ That the agricultural, industrial and 
business establishments shall pay for the premiums of said insurance policy. 
 
b. 
Upon graduation, the students will be provided funding as start-up capital for 
their farm business. Financial services and programs shall be made available to them 
as stipulated in Republic Act No. 10000 or the "The Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 
2009". Students should be able to avail of loans without the need for collateral. A 
government guarantee fund shall be set aside for this purpose in case of a default or 
failure to pay the debt: Provided, That a proof is presented that the student suffers 
from financial hardships and is no longer able to pay his loan. 


 
c. 
The government shall also extend incentives to students for the production and 
propagation of organic farm inputs by maximizing their use in all government and 
government-supported agricultural production, research and demonstration programs, 
as embodied in Republic Act No. 10068 or the "Organic Agriculture Act of 2010". 
 
SECTION 19. Incentives for Participating Establishments. – To encourage  
agricultural,   industrial and business establishments to participate in the system, they  
shall be allowed to deduct from their taxable income the amount of one hundred  and 
fifty per cent (150%) of the system expenses paid to the accredited dual  training 
system educational institution for the establishment's trainees: Provided,  That such 
expenses shall not exceed five per cent (5%) of their total direct labor  expenses but 
In no case to exceed twenty-five million pesos (P25,000,000.00) a year. 
 
Donations for the operation of the system shall be deductible from the taxable Income 
of the donors. Donations to government-run educational institutions shall be awarded 
incentives under Republic Act No. 8525 or the "Adopt-a-School Act of 1998". 
 
The Department of Finance shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to 
implement the provisions of this Section. 
 
SECTION 20. Non-diminution of Incentives. – Nothing In this Act shall be construed 
to diminish or reduce any privilege already enjoyed by the parties concerned under 
existing laws, decrees or executive orders. 
 
SECTION 21. Other Exemption from Taxes and Duties. – Any donation, 
contribution, bequest, subsidy or financial aid which may be made for the operation of 
the system shall constitute an allowable deduction from the income of the donors for 
income tax purposes and shall be exempt from donor's tax, subject to such conditions 
as provided under the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Essential 
equipment apparatus and materials imported by accredited dual training private 
educational institutions shall be exempt from taxes and duties: Provided, That the 
importation of these items shall be subject to the following qualifications that: 
a) 
the importation shall be certified by the appropriate authority; 


 
b) 
they should be actually, directly and exclusively used in connection with the dual 
training system and any unauthorized use shall subject the accredited dual 
training' private educational institutions to payment of taxes and duties thereon; 
and, 
 
c) 
they are not available locally in sufficient quantity of comparable quality, and at 
reasonable prices. 
 
Provided, however, that taxes and duties pertaining to the importations of accredited 
government and dual training educational institutions are deemed automatically 
appropriated. The Department of Finance (DOF) shall accumulate the necessary rules 
and regulations to implement the provisions of this section. 
 
SECTION 22. Revolving Fund. – Any law, rule or regulation to the contrary 
notwithstanding, the accredited dual training system educational institution/training 
center is hereby authorized to retain as a revolving fund the amount paid to it by the 
agricultural, industrial and business establishments representing the actual dual 
training expenses. The fund shall be used to Improve the operation of the dual training 
system. 
 
SECTION 23. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The CHED, DA, TESDA and 
DOF, in coordination with other industries concerned, shall issue the necessary rules 
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within a period of ninety 
(90) days after its effectivity. 
 
SECTION 24. 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 25. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations or other issuances or parts thereof, inconsistent with this Act, are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly. 
 


SECTION 26. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,