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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS TE

Second Regular Session

6243

HOUSE BILLNO. ~~"

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Establishing community food gardens is not a new strategy. There are local government units
and national agencies that are already conducting similar endeavors. This Act intends to support
current efforts and to expand its impact by requiring each barangay in urban areas to establish
‘community food gardens. Hence, continuing to build a positive impact, not only in the health and
income of the people, but strengthening community participation, as well.

Community food gardens address several issues - poverty alleviation, environment, and health
Promotion. Through community food gardens, people are capacitated in a skill that may help
improve their income through the sale of fruits and vegetables.

Community gardens also contribute to promotion of a healthy environment and help counter the
negative impact of rapid urbanization. Using organic farming methods encourage waste
segregation in the community for use as organic matter for composting. Thus, reducing the
volume of waste in our landfills.

‘Community gardens further promote a healthy lifestyle, especially in urban settings. One of the
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and nutritious food. This endeavor will not only provide the community with ase

and vegetables, but also encourage the consumption of healthy food.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is most earnes}


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6243

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo

“AN ACT ESTABLISHING COMMUNITY FOOD GARDEN IN EACH BARANGAY IN URBAN
AREAS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Community Food Garden Act’.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect and
Promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness among them. The
State shall also protect the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with
the rhythm and harmony of nature. Further, the State shall promote a just and dynamic order
that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free people from poverty
through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, rising standard
of living, and an improved quality of life for all. Toward this end, the State aims to alleviate
poverty, reduce food insecurity, and improve health and environment in urban areas through the
promotion of fruit and vegetable agriculture.

SEC. 3. Establishment of Community Food Gardens. - Each barangay, located in urban areas,
shall establish and maintain community food gardens.

SEC. 4. Objectives. - The establishment of community food gardens has the following
objectives:
1. To have a fully functional and sustainable community garden that provides nutritious
food for people in the community;
2. To train the residents in the community in fruit and vegetable farming, and organic
farming methods;
3. To enable people in the community to earn extra income through the sale of fruits and
vegetables.


SEC. 4, Barangays shall identify suitable sites for the establishment of the community food
gardens within their jurisdiction. They will be responsible for its maintenance and for
encouraging community participation in the program.

Barangays shall also be responsible in identifying participants of the community food garden
Program, giving priority to poor members in the community.

Local government units may identify idle lots that can be acquired or purchased and converted
to community gardens for access of poor families for vegetable and fruit production. LGUs shall
also provide support to the program by creating linkages for the barangays for the marketing,
sale, and distribution of fruits and vegetables.

The Department of Agriculture shall provide technical and financial ‘support through conduct of
trainings on food gardening, organic gardening methods, and provision of composting facilities,
fruit seedlings, vegetable seed packets, and tools.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - The Department of Agriculture,
Department of Interior and Local Government, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission, in
consultation with the appropriate government agencies and stakeholders, shall promulgate the
Necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from the
date of effectivity hereof.

‘SEC. 6. Funding. - The sum of one hundred million pesos (P100,000,000.00) is initially
appropriated for the implementation of this Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary
for its implementation shall be included in the budget of the Department of Agriculture in the
General Appropriations Act of the year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. — If any provision or section of this Act is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the other provisions and sections not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. - All aws, executive orders, or issuances, or any part thereof which
are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its Publication in the
Official Gazette or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,