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 
Republic Act No. 7607 or the Magna Carta of Small Farmers was enacted to give the “highest 
priority to the development of agriculture such that equitable distribution of benefits and 
opportunities is realized through the empowerment of small farmers”.  
It also provides that it is the policy of the State to provide the necessary support mechanism 
towards the attainment of their socioeconomic endeavors. 
Climate change is a threat that disproportionately disadvantages smallholder farmers 
worldwide. It negatively affects smallholder farmers and leads to increased food insecurity and 
land degradation. The State has to come up with programs that would support smallholder 
farmers with implementing adaptation initiatives on their farmland and programs that would 
help our farmers transition to sustainable agricultural practices. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
  MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
July 21, 2025
2:51 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 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7607, ENTITLED AN ACT PROVIDING A MAGNA 
CARTA OF SMALL FARMERS” 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 4 of Republic Act 7607 is hereby amended by adding the following 
paragraph: 
(28) “ARABLE LAND AREA OF A SMALLHOLDER FARMER” MEANS
LAND MEASURING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 0.1-15 HECTARES.
SEC 2. Section 8 of Republic Act 7607 is hereby amended by adding the following paragraph: 
(12) PARTICIPATE IN THE PRESERVATION OF THE PHILIPPINE
ENVIRONMENT 
THROUGH 
SUSTAINABLE 
AGRICULTURAL
PRACTICES SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, AGROFORESTRY, TO
ENCOURAGE RESILIENCE TO CLIMATE CHANGE.
SEC 3. Section 9 (2) of Republic Act 7607 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
(2) Aim for increased productivity through the use of recommended
SUSTAINABLE FARM practices and quality inputs;
SEC 4. Section 24 of Republic Act 7607 is hereby amended to read as follows: 
Sec. 24. Income-generating Activities. — Small farmers shall be 
encouraged to engage in other income-generating activities to supplement 
their farm income. National agencies, in collaboration with local 
government units, shall provide technical and skills training assistance 
through farmers' organizations, and shall also be tasked to provide 
marketing 
assistance 
to 
small 
farmers. 
THESE 
INCLUDE 
PARTICIPATION IN CLIMATE MITIGATION ACTIVITIES SUCH AS 
CARBON PROJECTS THAT GUARANTEE BENEFIT SHARING TO 
SMALLHOLDER FARMERS OF AT LEAST 50% OF THE AGGREGATE 
ANNUAL CARBON REVENUES. ANY PROJECT THAT DOES NOT 
COMPLY WITH FAIR AND EQUITABLE PAYMENTS TO FARMERS 
SHALL BE SUBJECT TO PENALTIES AND TERMINATION.  
SEC 5. Separability Clause. – If, for any reason, any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, parts or provisions of this Act which are not affected shall continue 
to be in full force and effect. 
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SEC 6. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees, Implementing 
Rules and Regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC 7. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official 
Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,