‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
np.no,_ 4391

Introduced by HONORABLE MARK A. VILLAR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Interest in urban agriculture is growing all over the world - a welcome trend
amidst climate change, rising fuel costs, and food shortage.

Growing one's own garden or participating in a community garden is a great
way to improve one’s health, help build a sustainable food system, and support
mother earth as it struggles to make room for increasing population. Food grown in
one’s own garden is fresher, more nutritious, and tastes better than store-bought
food.

According to studies, urban gardens are key to saving energy, protecting
water quality and topsoil, and promoting biodiversity. Planting farms in the city
beautifies neighborhoods with lush, colorful plants while bringing healthy food to
residents. More importantly, plants are our richest source of natural medicine.

Another important benefit is that urban farms absorb rainfall during storm
events and help planners manage the burden of runoff.

While it is true that as cities grow, real estate will become scarcer and more
valuable. But the rising costs of energy and climate change will make farming in far-
flung areas increasingly expensive. New methods are getting high yields from
smaller spaces - both indoors and out - thus improving the economics of urban
farming.

In view of the above benefits and to encourage people to embrace urban
farming, this bill provides for a real property tax credit worth ten (10) pesos for every
‘square meter allotted to and maintained urban farm

The immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.
~

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MARK A. VILLAR


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HONORABLE MARK A. VILLAR

AN ACT
PROMOTING URBAN FARMING AND PROVIDING FUNDS AND
INCENTIVES THEREFOR

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

SECTION 14. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Urban Farming Act
of 2014."

SECTION. 2. Declaration of Policy, It is the policy of the State to protect and
advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with
the rhythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to
promote activities that will ensure that its people will continue to live in a sustainable
and healthy environment.

SECTION 3. Definition. "Urban farming" shall mean any act of farming in a
city using land or the space of a building, including but not limited to a roof of a
building, that is partially or completely covered with vegetation through the use of
any growing medium such as but is not limited to pots, plots and/or membranes.

SECTION 4, Tax Credit, Any eligible building or improvement shall receive a
Real Property Tax credit in the amount of Ten (10) pesos for every square meter
allotted to and maintained Urban farm. Provided such Real Property Tax credit shall
not exceed the lesser of (a) One hundred thousand pesos (P100, 000.00) or (b) the
Real Property Tax liability for the eligible building or improvement, at any given
taxable year.

SECTION 5. Urban Farming Council Creation; Composition. There is hereby
established an "Urban Farming Council" which shall be attached to the Department
of Agriculture. The Council shall consist of the following members:

A. The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, who shall serve as chair of
the Council;
B. Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources;


C. Secretary of Department of Finance;

D. National Chair of the League of the Cities of the Philippines

E. A representative from the private sector who have an expertise in Urban
farming and/or vertical farming;

SECTION 6. Council Functions. The council shall have the following duties,
powers and functions:

A. Study and make recommendations regarding the impact of urban farming,
vertical farming, and sustainable living communities;

B. To promulgate implementing guidelines, programs, and operating principles in
the light of government policies and objectives of this Act;

C. To issue certification/s for the eligibility of building spaces and applicants in
Tax credit;

D. To monitor and carry out the implementation of this Act;

E, Generally, to exercise all powers and functions necessary for the objectives
and purposes of this Act;

F, Submit annual report to the Congress of its findings and recommendations;

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department of
Agriculture shall, in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural
Resources, and the Department of Finance, promulgate rules and regulations for the
effective implementation of this Act and shall regularly monitor strict compliance
therewith.

SECTION 8. Local Government Units, Cities. - All Cities where urban farming
activities are conducted shall extend whatever assistance necessary for the urban
farmer to exercise Urban Farming and benefit from the incentives of this Act.

SECTION 9. Appropriations. The amount necessary to implement the provisions
of this Act shall be included and incorporated in the Annual General Appropriations
of the various agencies of the government involved in the implementation of this Act,

SECTION 10. Separability Clause . If any part or provision of this Act is held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected
thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. Repealing Clause . Alll laws, orders, rules or regulations which are
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or
repealed accordingly.

SECTION 12. Effectivity -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,