Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTA’
Batasan Hills, Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3292

Introduced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative
Manuel “Manman” 0. Ko

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippine agriculture and food system faces persistent
challenges—from low productivity and post-harvest losses to fragmented
value chains and limited agro-industrial innovation. Despite being a
country rich in biodiversity and farming traditions, many Filipino
producers continue to struggle with inadequate infrastructure,
insufficient cold storage and logistics networks, weak compliance with
food safety standards, and limited access to value-adding facilities.

To address these systemic bottlenecks, there is an urgent need for a
centralized, modern agro-food facility that will serve as a hub for
post-harvest support, quality assurance, cold chain coordination,
research and development, and market integration. This facility will serve
as a backbone infrastructure to improve national food security, reduce
waste, and enhance the competitiveness of Philippine agro-food products
in both domestic and international markets.

‘The proposed National Agro-Food Facility (NAFF), to be established under
the supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA), is envisioned as a
multi-functional complex equipped with shared post-harvest processing
equipment, food safety and grading laboratories, climate-resilient storage
systems, and logistics nodes. It shall also promote innovation by hosting
a dedicated space for research and development in sustainable
processing technologies and climate-smart food systems.

Moreover, the NAFF will play a strategic role in supporting smallholder
farmers, fisherfolk, and micro, small, and medium agro-enterprises
(MSMEs) by linking them to value chains, reducing spoilage and
inefficiencies, and enabling them to meet increasingly stringent food
quality and traceability standards—especially in export markets.

By establishing the NAFF, the State fulfills its constitutional mandate to
promote rural industrialization, ensure food safety and security, and
support agribusiness development. This facility will not only help secure


the national food supply but will also empower communities and boost
economic activity across the agricultural sector.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly
sought.

Manuel Mi "10. Ko


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

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3252

Introduced by Abang Lingkod Party-list Representative
Manuel “Manman” O. Ko

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A NATIONAL AGRO-FOOD FACILITY, DEFINING
ITS FUNCTIONS, PROVIDING FOR ITS MANAGEMENT AND FUNDING, AND
FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title - This Act shall be known as the “National Agro-Food
Facility Act of 2025.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of
the State to ensure food security, promote inclusive rural development,
and enhance the competitiveness of Philippine agricultural and fisheries
products through sustainable and innovative food systems. The State
recognizes the critical role of post-harvest infrastructure, quality
assurance mechanisms, and value-adding processes in improving
productivity, reducing food losses, strengthening market access, and
generating livelihood opportunities for farmers, fisherfolk, and agri-based
enterprises.

Toward this end, the State shall establish and institutionalize a
centralized, state-of-the-art agro-food facility that will serve as the
national hub for food value chain integration, post-harvest processing,
cold chain coordination, food safety compliance, and research and
innovation. The facility shall support smallholder producers and micro,
small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) by improving their access to
shared services, logistics systems, technical knowledge, and market
linkages, in order to foster a resilient, equitable, and globally competitive
agro-food sector.

SECTION 3. Creation of the National Agro-Food Facility (NAFF).-
There is hereby created a National Agro-Food Facility (NAFF) under the
supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA). The NAFF shall serve
as the central hub for food value chain integration, agro-industrial
innovation, and food security coordination.


SECTION 4. Functions of the National Agro-Food Facility.
The NAFF shall have the following powers and functions:

a) Post-Harvest and Processing Support — Provide shared facilities and
technical services for the processing, packaging, labeling, and storage of
agro-food products;

b) Food Safety and Quality Assurance - Operate laboratories and
inspection facilities for food quality testing, grading, certification, and
compliance with national and international food safety standards;

c) Research and Innovation - Conduct research and development in food
technology, sustainable processing, preservation, and climate-smart food
systems;

4) Cold Chain and Logistics Coordination — Serve as a national node for
cold storage and food transport systems, particularly for perishable and
high-value crops, livestock, and fisheries;

¢) Capacity Building and Technology Transfer - Provide training,
education, and technical assistance to farmers, cooperatives, MSMEs,
and LGUs on food processing, marketing, and quality standards;

f) Market Integration and Export Support - Support the entry of
Philippine agro-food products into domestic and international markets
by providing certifications, packaging innovations, and market linkages;

8) Food Resilience and Emergency Buffering - Serve as a strategic buffer
stock and distribution center during food supply disruptions or national
emergencies.

SECTION 5. Facility Components.

The NAFF shall include, but not be limited to, the following core
components:

Agro-industrial processing complex
National food safety and quality assurance laboratory
Cold chain and logistics center

‘Training and technology center

Innovation and R&D hub

National buffer and reserve warehouse

PA PoOnr

Regional satellite hubs may be established in major agricultural regions.
SECTION 6. Governance and Management.

a) The Facility shall be headed by a Director appointed by the Secretary
of Agriculture.


b) A National Agro-Food Facility Governing Board shall be created,
composed of representatives from:

- Department of Agriculture

- Department of Trade and Industry

- Food and Drug Administration

- DOST ~ Industrial Technology Development Institute

- Accredited farmers’ cooperatives and agribusiness groups
- Academe and research institutions

The Board shall set strategic policies, approve budgets, and ensure
coordination with national and regional agro-food development plans.

SECTION 7. Appropriation.- The initial funding for the establishment of
the NAFF shall be charged against the current appropriations of the
Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, the NAFF shall have its budget
incorporated in the Department of Agriculture’s appropriations in the
General Appropriation Act (GAA).

SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Department
of Agriculture, in consultation with relevant agencies and stakeholders,
shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SECTION 9. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is
declared unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not
affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 10, Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders,
rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.

Section 11. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
circulation.

Approved,