NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
senate
o( t!je
•22 Jl“4 A 8 30
SENATE 
S. No.__8
RKEIVtDiSV:
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
TO PROMOTE AND ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD AND 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY INTEGRATING, ENHANCING, AND 
INSTITUTIONALIZING FINANCING AND OTHER PROGRAMS FOR 
LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 
(MSMEs), APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Using the International Poverty Rate of $1.9 a day in 2011, the World Bank 
estimates that poverty in the PMippines would average 2.6 percent in 2022, 2.1 
percent in 2023, and 1.7 percent in 2024.1 The latest official data from the Philippine 
Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that poverty incidence increased to 23.7 percent in 
the first semester of 2021 from 21.1 percent in the first semester of 2018.2 This translates 
to 26.14 million Filipinos who lived below the poverty threshold —estimated at Php 
12,082.00 per month, on the average, for a family of five—in the first semester of 2021.
The poor have inadequate access to human capital, enterprise, infrastructure, 
public institutions, and knowledge. Often, the poor have to start livelihoods or 
businesses with meager capital and eventually find themselves trapped in a vicious 
cycle of poverty. In addition, poverty is caused by the inequitable and unequal 
distribution of income and opportunities.
1 https://databank.worldbank.orQ/data/download/povertv/33EF03BB-9722-4AE2-ABC7-
/\A2972D68AFE/Global POVEQ PHL.Pdf
2 https://psa.aov.ph/psa-press-release-taas/2021-first-sennester-povertv-Gtati5tics


Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) comprise 99.5% of business 
establisliments in the Philippines3 and employ approximately 63% of the country's 
workforce. In the past, MSMEs were responsible for 40% of the country's Gross 
Domestic Product (GDP).4 MSMEs have the potential for employment generation, 
integral sustainable development, and spur economic growth, especially in rural 
areas. They are considered a driving force in economic development, according to the 
Asian Development Bank (ADB).5 According to the United Nations, formal and 
informal MSMEs make up over 90% of all firms and account, on average, for 70% of 
total employment and 50% of GDP. As such, they are vital actors in achieving a green 
recovery.6 However, despite these, MSMEs in the Philippines receive scant and 
dispersed government support.
MSMEs continue to suffer due to low demand and the lack of financial capacity, 
logistical support, or market access. MSMEs are also most vulnerable to external 
shocks in the economy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the MSMEs were 
forced to close and some remain temporarily closed or are operating at decreased 
capacity. MSMEs suffered the most, especially those led by women, youth, ethnic 
minorities, and migrants. An International Trade Centre survey on COVID-19 impact 
among businesses in 136 countries has shown that nearly 62% of women-led small 
businesses have been strongly affected by the crisis and women-owned are 27% more 
likely not to survive the pandemic compared to just over half of firms led by men.7 
Other challenges, including the ongoing effects of climate change, biodiversity loss, 
and pollution, are expected to have severe negative implications for economic growth, 
human health and ecosystems, employment, and livelihood.
3https;//www.dti.gov.ph/resources/msme-statistics/
4 MSME Sector is Key to COVID Inclusive Recovery for the Philippines. Retrieved from
https://www.ph.undD.ora/content/philippines/en/home/Dresscenter/pressreleases/202-/msme-sector-is-kev-to-covid-19-
inclusive-recoverv-for-ph.html
5 Asian Development Bank Institute (2021) COVID-19 Impact on Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized 
Enterprises Under the Lockdown: Evidence from A Rapid Survey in the Philippines. Retrieved from 
https://www.adb.ora/sites/default/files/publication/677321/adbi-wpl216.pdf
6 Ibid.
7 MSMEs: Key to an inclusive and sustainable recovery. Retrieved from https://www.un.ora/en/observances/micro-small- 
medium-businesses-dav.


In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, the Philippine government 
has set one of its overarching goals to reduce poverty incitience significantly. Raising 
the quality of life of Filipinos is not simply a matter of improving the incomes of the 
poor. It also entails increasing the people's capacity to provide for themselves and lift 
themselves out of poverty.
Entrepreneurship has been identified as among the drivers of economic 
development and as an intervention for poverty alleviation. Additionally, sustainable 
livelihoods could serve as an integrating factor that allows policies to simultaneously 
address growth, sustainable resource management, and poverty eradication.8
While there are current laws, policies, and programs for MSMEs or livelihood 
assistance, these laws and policies are deficient, dispersed, or do not directly respond 
to the needs and challenges of MSMEs or the poor and marginalized entrepreneurs.
There is a pressing need for MSMEs and underprivileged entrepreneurs to 
access financial assistance and other support programs from the government. They 
need access to monetary and fiscal policies, including credit facilities, tax breaks, and 
deferred loan payments. They also need support in transportation and the 
strengthening of supply chain management. MSMEs and the vulnerable should be 
resilient to the looming climate crisis so that they can be drivers of an inclusive 
transition towards a more sustainable economy.
This bill aims to stimulate entrepreneurship and empower Filipino 
entrepreneurs by ensuring adequate access to existing financing and livelihood 
assistance programs. The proposed measure addresses the need to integrate 
programs and policies responsive to the immediate and long-term needs of MSMEs 
and underprivileged or marginalized but deserving entrepreneurs and further 
enhance benefits for them, including training, information resource, supply chain 
management, and market access. The enactment of this measure would mark the
8 UNDP. Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods: A Briefing Note Submitted to the Executive Committee, June 4, 1997.


government's recognition of the pivotal role of MSMEs and entrepreneurs in the 
Philippines as the backbone of the Philippines economy towards an equitable and 
sustainable post-COVID-19 recovery.
In view of the foregoing, the urgent passage of this bill is sought.
LOREN LEGARDA


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
Sennit'
o( tl)r
•22 JUL “4 A 8 31
SENATE
— ■' 
D
S. No.____
Rl:CLV£0
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
TO PROMOTE AND ADVANCE SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD AND 
ENTREPRENEURSHIP BY INTEGRATING, ENHANCING, AND 
INSTITUTIONALIZING FINANCING AND OTHER PROGRAMS FOR 
LIVELIHOOD SUPPORT FOR MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES 
(MSMEs), APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
1 
Section. 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Tangkabuhayan Act of
2 
2022.,,
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State that the
4 
diffusion and more equitable distribution of opportunities, income, and wealth shall
5 
be the goals of the national economic development programs; and expanding
6 
productivity, coupled with a sustained increase i]i the number of goods and services
7 
produced for the direct benefit of the people is the key to empowerment, poverty
8 
reduction, and enhancement of the quality of life for all, especially the
9 
underprivileged. Consistent with the aforestated policy, the State shall:
10 
(a) Promote, strengthen and encourage sustainable livelihoods, entrepreneurship,
11 
and the growth and development of MSMEs in all productive sectors of the
12 
economy particularly rural, agri-based enterprises, research and development,
13 
invention, innovation, cultural and creative industries, and other careers that
14 
contribute to environmental and cultural preservation;


1 
(b) Consolidate MSME laws, social laws, and livelihood and poverty alleviation
2 
programs to promote sustainable production, develop skills and capabilities,
3 
provide access to financial support and resource management, increase access
4 
to information, market access, and value chain development, and create
5 
opportunities for economic empowerment and increased incomes;
6 
(c) Adopt livelihood, entrepreneurial, and/ or MSME development and support
7 
that is holistic, comprehensive, integrated, people-centered, responsive, and
8 
participatory, in lessening the socioeconomic and enviromnental impacts of
9 
disasters including epidemics and climate change, and promoting the
10 
involvement and participation of all sectors and all stakeholders concerned, at
11 
all levels, especially the local community;
12 
(d) Institutionalize the policies, structures, coordination mechanisms, and
13 
programs with continuing budget appropriation from national down to local
14 
levels towards building economic empowerment and improved incomes;
15 
(e) Simplify and minimize procedural rules and documentary requirements in the
16 
act of registration, availing of financing, or accessing government services;
17 
(f) Complement and supplement financing programs to remove stringent and
18 
burdensome collateral requirements;
19 
(g) Engage the participation of the beneficiaries, especially the poor and
20 
vulnerable, in the design, development, and implementation of sustainable
21 
livelihood policies or programs;
22 
(h) Engage the participation of civil society organizations (CSOs) and the private
23 
sector in the government's livelihood development and support for MSMEs
24 
programs towards complementation of resources and effective delivery of
25 
services to the citizenry; and
26 
(i) Assure a balanced and sustainable development through the establishment of
27 
a feedback and evaluation mechanism that will monitor socio-economic
28 
contributions as well as bottlenecks and environmental effects.
29 
Sec. 3. Scope. - This Act provides for the development of policies and plans and
30 
the implementation of actions and measures pertaining to all aspects of sustainable
31 
livelihood development and support and the growth and development of MSMEs.
32


1 
Sec. 4. The Pnngkabiihaynn Council - The Pangkabuhayan Council is hereby
2 
established to develop the country's sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurship
3 
goals, priorities, and long-term national strategy. The Council shall seek mainstream
4 
principles that are integrated, people-centered, participatory, responsive, and
5 
sustainable in the development, implementation, and assessment of sustainable
6 
livelihood and entrepreneurial programs and strategies.
7 
Sec. 5. Composition of the Pangkabuhayan Council - The Council shall be
8 
composed of the following members:
9 
(a) President of the Philippines as the Chairperson;
10 
(b) Secretaiy of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as the Vice-
11 
Chairperson;
12 
(c) Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority
13 
(NEDA);
14 
(d) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA);
15 
(e) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
16 
(f) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
17 
(g) Secretary of the Department of Tourism (DOT);
18 
(h) Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD);
19 
(i) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
20 
0 Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED);
21 
(k) Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM);
22 
(1) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd);
23 
(m) Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG);
24 
(n) Director-General of the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines
25 
(IPOPHIL); and
26 
(o) Seven (7) Executive Members are to be appointed by the President.
27 
The Executive Members shall be appointed from the ranks of business,
28 
entrepreneurs, academe, and the scientific community, at least one (1) of whom shall
29 
be a woman. There shall be at least one (1) representative from the MSME sector.
30 
Those to be appointed from the academe and the scientific community shall have at
31 
least seven (7) years of experience in the field of science and technology, research and
32 
development, or innovation.


1 
The President may designate the Executive Secretary to attend on his behalf
2 
and preside over the meetings of the Pangkabuhayan Council. The Department
3 
Secretaries and other members may not designate alternate representatives other than
4 
their respective undersecretaries to the meetings.
5 
The majority of the members shall constitute a quorum.
6 
Sec. 6. Pozoers and Functions. The Pangkabuhayan Council shall have the
7 
following powers and functions:
8 
1. The Council shall act as the coordinating and supervising body for all
9 
agencies involved in the establishment and operation of the following
10 
programs:
11 
(a) DTTs Negosyo Center Program, which is responsible for promoting
12 
ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for Micro,
13 
Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs);
14 
(b) DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), which is a
15 
community-based program that provides income-generating activities
16 
to low-income households;
17 
(c) dole's Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating
18 
Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) or Cash for Work
19 
Program, a community-based package assistance that provides
20 
emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and
21 
seasonal workers;
22 
(d) DOLE'S Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan, which
23 
provides assistance through grants to individuals and groups that can
24 
be used to start a livelihood project, expand or upgrade an existing
25 
project, restore or re-establish existing livelihood projects destroyed due
26 
to natural anci human-made ciisasters, or transform existing livelihood
27 
assistance to community/ group enterprises.
28 
(e) DOST's Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP),
29 
a nationwide strategy that aims to encourage and assist SMEs to adopt
30 
technology innovations to improve their operations and thus boost their
31 
productivity and competitiveness;


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(f) DTI and TESDA's (Technical Education and Skills Development 
Authority) Barangay Kabuhayan, a national program that ensures that 
all livelihood and skills training centers offered by the National 
Govermnent are properly implemented at the municipal level.
(g) NED A, DOST, and DTTs implementation of the Philippine 
Innovation Act, a law that seeks to guide the country's innovation goals 
and is expected to make the policy environment in the country 
conducive to more science, technology, and innovation efforts;
(h) DTTs Shared Service Facilities (SSF) Project, a flagship program of 
the DTI aimed at improving the productivity and efficiency of small 
enterprises through access to better technology.
This shall include overseeing, in coordination with local government 
units and the DILG as well as private sector groups/associations, the 
developments among micro, small and medium enterprises as well as 
the individual beneficiaries;
2. The Council shall promote and advance sustainable livelihood and 
entrepreneurship by integrating the aforementioned programs through the 
Council;
3. The Council shall monitor and assess the progress of the program 
beneficiaries, which report shall be submitted to the Congress;
4. The Council shall review the programs' existing policies and recommend 
changes or improvements therein to the President and Congress.
Tliis shall include efforts to simplify rules and regulations, as well as a 
review of the applicability and relevance of procedural and documentary 
requirements in the registration, financing, and other activities relevant to 
MSMEs and individual beneficiaries, the result of which shall also be included 
in the annual report to be submitted to Congress.
5. The Council shall submit to the Congress an annual report of its assessment 
on the efficacy of the program, the status of its implementation including but 
not limited to progress reports, challenges, and recommendations, review of 
the policies involved, research, and other reports integral to the 
implementation of this Act.


1 
6. The Council shall promulgate implementing guidelines, programs, and
2 
operating principles as may be deemed proper and necessary in the light of
3 
go\rernment policies and objectives of this Act;
4 
7. The Council shall publish Compliance Guidelines, streamlining and
5 
simplifying the rules and regulations on procedural and documentary
6 
requirements for registration, financing, and other activities relevant to the
7 
implementation of the specified programs.
8 
The Compliance Guideline shall be written in plain language or the
9 
applicable local dialect. The publication of each Compliance Guideline shall
10 
include the posting of the guide in a conspicuous location on the website of the
11 
concerned agencies, and distribution of the guide to known industry contacts,
12 
such as small entities, associations, or industry leaders affected by the rule.
13 
The Council shall publish and disseminate the Compliance Guideline
14 
within ninety (90) days from the date of issuance.
15 
8. The Council shall conduct research to support women's entrepreneurship
16 
including entrepreneurial behavior, barriers, participation and cessation rates,
17 
discriminatory practices, and contribution to the national economy and
18 
growth;
19 
9. The Council shall provide policy direction towards recognizing women's
20 
propensity and talent in entrepreneurship as well as establish linkages that will
21 
enable more opportunities for women to engage in entrepreneurship; and
22 
10. The Council shall develop, in coordination with the DepEd, Technical
23 
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Commission on
24 
Higher Education, a course curriculum or training program in
25 
entrepreneurship that will promote entrepreneurial culture and competence.
26 
Entrepreneurship shall be integrated into the curriculum of educational and
27 
training institutions at all levels.
28 
Sec. 7. Establishment of a Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development
29 
Centers. - A Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Development Center
30 
hereinafter referred to as the "SLED", shall be established in every rural municipality
31 
in the country in accordance with such program established and determined by the
32 
DILG, taking into account the socio-economic profile, literacy, employment


1 
conditions, health status of the residents, the opportunities therein available, the
2 
presence of support mechanics/structures and skills craftsmanship training activities
3 
in the community, and such other factors indicative of the need for the SLED.
4 
Provided, That priority shall be given to the most economically depressed areas with
5 
the highest percentage of disadvantaged and needy citizens.
6 
Initially and within a period of one (1) year from the date of the effectivity of
7 
this Act, at least one (1) Pilot Center shall be established in each of the fifteen (15)
8 
regions of the country, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim
9 
Mindanao and the Cordillera Autonomous Region.
10 
In applicable areas, the existing Go Negosyo Centers shall continue to operate
11 
as SLED subject to the provisions of this Act. The SLED shall be responsible for
12 
promoting ease of doing business and facilitating access to services for MSMEs and
13 
entrepreneurs within its jurisdiction.
14 
The SLEDs may be set up under the auspices of the local government units,
15 
and/or non-government organizations tapped by DILG to assist in the
16 
implementation of this Act.
17 
The SLED shall be assisted by the DOLE by rendering technical assistance and
18 
training to the personnel of the SLED and shall be supported by officials in
19 
encouraging the participation of residents in the programs and training offered by the
20 
SLED. The DILG, DOH, DOLE, DA, and other government agencies shall gear their
21 
programs to support the activities and actions envisioned and implemented by the
22 
SLED.
23 
Sec. 8. Capitalization and Funding of the Pangkabuhayan Council. - A
24 
Pangkabuhayan Fund to strengthen livelihood, entrepreneurial, and/or MSME
25 
development and support is hereby established. This Fund, from which grants will be
26 
issued, shall be administered by the Pangkabuhayan Council which shall screen and
27 
approve qualified proposals. Subject to availability of funds, a revolving fund in the
28 
initial amount of One Billion Pesos (Php 1,000,000,000.00) is hereby allocated for the
29 
initial year's implementation of this Act, and such funds necessary for its continuous
30 
and effective implementation shall thereafter be included in the annual General
31 
Appropriations Act.
32 
Further, the Pangkabuhayan Council, in coordination with the agencies


1 
concerned, shall explore the possibility of accessing a growing range of bilateral and
2 
multilateral funds in order to be able to assist in the funding of livelihood,
3 
entrepreneurial, and/or MSME programs and initiatives. Public-private partnerships
4 
shall also be encouraged in the cievelopment and implementation of programs and
5 
initiatives.
6 
Sec. 9. Mandatory Allocation of Credit Resources for Livelihood Support Programs
1 
and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. - For a period of ten (10) years from the date
8 
of the effectivity of this Act, all lending institutions as defined under Bangko Sentral
9 
ng Pilipinas (BSP) rules, whether public or private, shall set aside at least ten percent
10 
(10%) of their total loan portfolio based on their balance sheet at of the end of the
11 
previous cjuarter for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, and make it available for
12 
MSME credit or livelihood support programs as herein contemplated. Compliance
13 
with this provision shall include:
14 
a. The actual extension of loans to eligible MSMEs or beneficiaries; or
15 
b. Wholesale lending to Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) for on-
16 
lending to MSMEs; or
17 
c. Purchase/discount of MSMEs receivables; or
18 
d. Extension of loans to MSME value chain actors who allow MSMEs to
19 
participate in organized or formal value chains. Chain actors include,
20 
among others, traders, suppliers, processors, and aggregators who
21 
conduct linked sequences of value-adding activities involved in
22 
bringing a product to final consumers.
23 
The BSP and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), in consultation
24 
with the Pangkabuhayan Council, shall formulate rules for the effective
25 
implementation of this provision: Provided, That the purchase of government notes,
26 
securities, and other negotiable instruments shall not be deemed compliant with the
27 
foregoing provisions: Provided, further. That the BSP and the SEC, in consultation with
28 
all stakeholders, shall establish a meaningful incentive system to encourage
29 
compliance this provision; Provided, finally, that the BSP and the SEC shall align their
30 
regulations on penalties for banks and other entities for non-compliance with the
31 
provision for mandatory lending.
32 
The Pangkabuhayan Council shall set up the appropriate systems to monitor


1 
all loan applications of MSMEs to account for the absorptive capacity of the MSME
2 
sector. Each lending institution shall designate a Chief Compliance Officer who will
3 
prepare and sign the report on compliance and noncompliance with the mandatory
4 
credit allocation, for submission to the BSP in the case of banks, and the SEC in the
5 
case of non-bank financial intermediates.
6 
The BSP in the case of banks, and the SEC in the case of non-bank financial
7 
intermediates shall furnish to the Pangkabuhayan Council every quarter
8 
comprehensive reports on the lending entity's compliance and noncompliance with
9 
the above provisions on the mandatory credit allocation for MSMEs and beneficiaries,
10 
and shall submit an annual report, signed by an officer with the rank of at least a
11 
managing director, on the amounts of the penalties for non-compliance with the
12 
mandatory lending provision of this act.
13 
All banks shall provide access to deposit accounts, such as savings, checking,
14 
and debit accounts, to registered MSMEs. Financial technology shall be provided to
15 
MSMEs to ensure their financial inclusion.
16 
All lending entities shall report credit information and transactions of MSMEs
17 
to a national credit registry to monitor proper compliance and efficient
18 
implementation.
19 
For efficient implementation and operation, cooperatives, except cooperative
20 
banks and insurance cooperatives, shall be under the sole supervision and
21 
examination of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA); all other financial
22 
entities, corporations and financial intermediaries, such as non-government
23 
organizations, financing companies, non-stock savings and loan associations,
24 
microfinance non-government organizations, and lending investors shall be under the
25 
SEC; banks shall be uncier the BSP; and insurance companies shall be under the
26 
Insurance Commission (IC). For clarity, cooperative banks shall be under the
27 
supervision and examination of the CDA and BSP; while insurance cooperatives shall
28 
be under the supervision and examination of the CDA and Insurance Commission
29 
(IC).
30 
Lending institutions that are not qualified to acquire or hold lands of the public
31 
domain in the Philippines shall be permitted to bid and take part in sales of mortgaged
32 
real property in case of judicial or extra-judicial foreclosure, as well as avail of


1 
receivership, enforcement, and other proceedings, solely upon default of a borrower,
2 
and for a period not exceeding five (5) years from actual possession: Provided, That in
3 
no event shall title to the property be transferred to such lending institution. If the
4 
lending institution is the winning bidder, it may, during said five (5) year period,
5 
transfer its rights to a qualified Philippine national, without prejudice to a borrower's
6 
rights under applicable laws.
7 
Sec. 10. Recovery Fund, - Aside from the existing benefits for MSMEs and
8 
eligible entrepreneurs, the Pangkabuhayan Council shall establish a Recovery Fund
9 
for MSMEs and beneficiaries, to be sourced from the Pangkabuhayan Fund, to provide
10 
MSMEs with aid, relief, and recovery interventions for disasters, calamities,
11 
epidemics, or complex emergencies, such as but not limited to, the COVID-19
12 
pandemic.
13 
Sec. 11. Congressional Oversight Committee. - To monitor and oversee the
14 
implementation of this Act, there shall be a Congressional Oversight Committee on
15 
Sustainable Livelihood and Entrepreneurship Development (COC-SLED) composed
16 
of the chairpersons of the Senate Committee on Economic Affairs and the House
17 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development as chairperson and
18 
co-chairperson, respectively; five (5) members of each of the Senate and House of
19 
Representatives to include the chairpersons of the Senate committees on Trade and
20 
Commerce, and Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies; and the chairpersons of
21 
the House of committees on Trade and Industry, Banks and Financial Intermediaries,
22 
and Appropriations: Provided, That two (2) of the five Senators and two (2) of the five
23 
House members shall be nominated by the respective minority leaders of the Senate
24 
and the House of Representatives.
25 
The COC-SLED shall set the guidelines and overall framework for the
26 
monitoring of the implementation of tliis Act and shall adopt its internal rules of
27 
procedure. The Secretariat of the COC-SLED shall be drawn from the existing
28 
personnel of the Senate and House of Representatives committees compromising the
29 
COC-SLED.
30 
Sec. 12. Information Dissemination. - The Philippine Information Agency, in
31 
coordination with the DTI and the DILG, shall ensure the proper and adequate
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information dissemination of the contents and benefits of this Act to pertinent media 
entities and all cities, municipalities, and barangays.
Sec. 13. Considerations in Setting Priority Areas for Sustainable Lwelihood and 
Entrepreneurship. - In identifying the priority areas for livelihood and 
entrepreneurship development, the Pangkabuhayan Council shall, in consultation 
with the sectors concerned, consider the following areas:
(a) Food security and sustainable agriculture;
(b) Regenerative systems;
(c) Health;
(d) Secure, clean, and reliable energy;
(e) Climate change and disaster resilience;
(f) Innovation of traditional knowledge, tiaditional cultural expressions, and
genetic resources;
(g) Digital economy;
(h) Sustainable transportation services; and
(i) Sustainable tourism, among others.
Sec. 14. Whole of Government Approach. - In order to effectively promote and 
advance sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurship across all areas of government 
policy, a "whole of government approach" shall be adopted. This approach shall 
facilitate engagement with business, the research, development, and engineering 
(RD&E) sector, MSMEs, and the broader community towards ensuring the full and 
effective implementation of this Act.
All government agencies concerned, including the following, shall be 
responsible for implementing sustainable livelihood and entrepreneurship and, as 
such, shall observe the "whole of government approach" provided herein:
(a) National Economic and Development Authority (NED A);
(b) Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
(c) Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);
(d) Department of Agriculture (DA);
(e) Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR);
(f) Department of Health (DOH);
(g) Department of Energy (DOE);
11


1 
(h) Department of Transportation (DOTr);
2 
(i) Department of National Defense (DND);
3 
(j) Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT);
4 
(k) Department of Budget and Management (DBM);
5 
(1) Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG);
6 
(m) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA);
7 
(n) Department of Education (DepEd);
8 
(o) Commission on Higher Education (CHED):
9 
(p) Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); and
10 
(q) Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL).
11 
Government agencies shall make available for public access, a joint web portal,
12 
that will bear information pertinent to livelihood and MSMEs policies, strategies, and
13 
programs, including services, grants, and financial assistance. The agencies shall
14 
likewise ensure that beneficiaries are guided on available services. The web portal
15 
shall also include a database of all ongoing and completed programs implemented.
16 
It shall have interactive features that will allow the public to access services or
17 
file applications online. Inquiries shall be addressed within three (3) days from receipt
18 
thereof. The processing of applications shall be streamlined in accordance with the
19 
guidelines to be established by the Pangkabuhayan Council. Reforms to this effect
20 
shall be reported to the Council within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act.
21 
The online facility shall provide an acknowledgment receipt and reference number for
22 
each transaction for monitoring purposes.
23 
Govermiient agencies concerned shall submit periodic progress reports to the
24 
Pangkabuhayan Council on the status of livelihood or entrepreneurial programs.
25 
Reporting guidelines shall be prepared by the Council for this purpose.
26 
The enumeration of agencies provided herein is without prejudice to other
27 
agencies that the Council may mandate.
28 
Sec. 15. Removing Barriers to Livelihood and MSME Support. - The
29 
Pangkabuhayan Council and its member government agencies shall eliminate
30 
regulatory barriers and cut red tape to enable access to livelihood and MSME support
31 
programs. Towards this end, the Council shall facilitate consultations with
32 
stakeholders to identify and cause the removal of barriers, such as procedural rules
12


1 
and documentary requirements in registration, availing of financing, or accessing
2 
government services.
3 
Sec. 16. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Secretary of the DTI, in
4 
consultation with the appropriate agencies as may be deemed necessary, shall
5 
formulate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act
6 
within ninety (90) days after its approval. The rules and regulations issued pursuant
7 
to this Section shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of
8 
general circulation.
9 
Sec. 17. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act shall be held
10 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act not otherwise affected shall remain in full
11 
force and effect.
12 
Sec. 18. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,
13 
rules, and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with any provisions of this Act are
14 
hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.
15 
Sec. 19. Ejfectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
16 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
13