TWENTIETH CONGRESS   
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session  
 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Agriculture remains the backbone of the Philippine economy, providing livelihoods for 
millions of Filipino families and ensuring the country’s food security. However, despite its vital 
role, the sector continues to face longstanding challenges, including low productivity, climate 
vulnerability, lack of access to updated technologies, and fragmented support services. 
One of the most pressing issues is the weakness of our agricultural extension system, 
which serves as the bridge between government programs and the farmers who need them 
most. While the Local Government Code of 1991 devolved extension services to local 
government units (LGUs), this has led to uneven service delivery, with many municipalities 
and provinces lacking the manpower, resources, or technical capability to consistently support 
their local farmers. 
To address this gap, this proposed measure seeks to establish a nationwide network 
of Barangay Agriculture Technicians (BATs)—trained personnel embedded in every barangay 
to serve as frontliners of agricultural development.  
These BATs will: 
•
Deliver real-time information on weather, pest outbreaks, market prices, and
government programs;
•
Conduct on-the-ground monitoring of crop conditions, planting cycles, and farmers'
needs;
•
Provide technical support and training to farmers on best practices, innovations, and
sustainable farming techniques;
•
Facilitate timely coordination between farmers and municipal or provincial agriculture
offices;
•
Serve as vital data-gathering agents for policy planning and program evaluation at the
national level.
By positioning BATs in every barangay, this bill seeks to deepen the reach of extension 
services, ensure inclusive agricultural support, and empower our farmers to make informed, 
productive, and resilient decisions.  
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
  MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
August 18, 2025
3:16 pm
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TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
) 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and 
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr. 
House Bill No.  _____ 
AN ACT 
MANDATING THE HIRING OF ONE (1) BARANGAY AGRICULTURE TECHNICIAN (BAT) 
FOR EVERY BARANGAY IN THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, 
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Purpose and Objectives. – This Act aims to strengthen the agricultural extension 
services in the Philippines by establishing a network of Barangay Agriculture Technicians 
(BATs) who will serve as frontliners in providing real-time information, monitoring, and support 
to farmers at the grassroots level. 
Section 2. Creation of Barangay Agriculture Technicians Program. – The Department of 
Agriculture (DA) shall allocate resources to hire one (1) Barangay Agriculture Technician 
(BAT) for every barangay nationwide. The BATs shall be responsible for: 
a) Gathering and reporting real-time agricultural data for planning, decision-making, and
policy development;
b) Assisting DA regional offices in monitoring and delivering project support to farmers;
c) Conducting pest and disease surveillance and reporting;
d) Providing field extension services and technical assistance to farmers;
e) Coordinating with Municipal Agriculturists and other stakeholders.
Section 3. Functions and Responsibilities. – The BATs shall perform the following functions: 
a) Collect and report agricultural data, including crop yields, pest and disease incidence,
and weather conditions;
b) Provide technical assistance and training to farmers on best practices, climate-smart
agriculture, and other relevant topics;
c) Facilitate the delivery of DA project support, including seeds, fertilizers, and other
inputs;
d) Conduct regular monitoring and evaluation of agricultural projects and programs;
e)
Collaborate with other government agencies, private sector, and civil society
organizations to promote agricultural development.
Section 4. Training and Capacity Building – The DA shall provide training and capacity-
building programs for BATs to enhance their skills and knowledge in agricultural extension 
services, data collection and analysis, and other relevant areas. 
Section 5. Support and Benefits – The DA shall provide support to BATs, including: 
a) Honorarium and allowance;
b) Health care benefits;
c) Other forms of support as may be determined by the DA.
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Section 6. Coordination with Local Government Units. – The BATs shall work closely with 
Municipal Agriculturists and other local government officials to ensure effective delivery of 
agricultural services and support to farmers. 
 
Section 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DA shall issue implementing rules and 
regulations (IRR) within 90 days from the effectivity of this Act. 
 
Section 8. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be included in 
the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
Section 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,