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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

7396
HOUSE BILLNO._"

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1B. 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 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 eamestly sought.

A CLEO
Representative, Lan¢ District of Dinagat Islands



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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. useg

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,