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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. * 326

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks the establishment of a Provincial Office of the National Food
Authority in the Province of Dinagat Islands.

As provided for under P.D. 1770, also known as the National Food Authority
Act, it is the declared policy of the State to promote the integrated growth and
development of the food industry so it can adequately function as an institution
conscious of its social responsibilities, capable of maintaining an adequate and
continuous food supply, and contributing its proper share to the economy.

In realizing such a policy, the National Food Authority (NFA) has instituted
various regional and provincial NFA offices to ensure sufficient rice supply in
supporting the needs of provinces. However, inadvertent as it was, some provinces
upon its creation were not bestowed with provincial branches of vital national
agencies. These provinces include the Province of Dinagat Islands.

Created in 2006 pursuant to RA 9355, the Province of Dinagat Islands still
flourishes to be a home that ensures food security to its people despite being
geographically challenged. However, fourteen years have passed since its creation
and it continues to be a looming problem of our province on how to survive
impending food security challenges considering that it is still dependent on the
allocation of the NFA office in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte. It must also be noted
that there have been incidences of failure of rice allocation in our province — to the
detriment of our people.

Hence, in view of the foregoing, it is undeniable that the establishment of an
independent NFA Dinagat Islands Provincial Office shall be prioritized in keeping
with the needs of the Dinagatnons especially in these times of pandemic and future
calamities.

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

Representative, Yone District of Dinagat Islands

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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 326

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROVINCIAL OFFICE OF THE NATIONAL FOOD
AUTHORITY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT
ISLANDS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. There shall be established a Provincial Office of the National
Food Authority in the Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, to be
known as the National Food Authority Dinagat Islands Provincial Office, for the
purpose of establishing an independent and sufficient rice buffer stocks sourced
solely from local farmers especially during emergencies and calamities.

SEC. 2. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture shall immediately
include in the Department's program the operationalization of the National Food
Authority Dinagat Islands Provincial Office, the funding of which shall initially come
from the savings of the National Food Authority. Thereafter, such sum as may be
necessary for the efficient operation and maintenance of the said office shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. implementing Rules and Regulations. Within six (6) months following
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. Should any part or provision of this Act be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,