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DATE _ July 10, 2025
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Republic of the Philippines ME 6:50 pm
House of Representatives \\03. Bai ky
Quezon City, Metro Manila
Twentieth Cor Cy, gs
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First Regular Session © inpEk

HOUSE BILL No. 1790

Introduced by Rep. Edwin Ongchuan

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The agricultural sector sustains the livelihoods of millions of Filipinos; however, it
continues to face major challenges such as low productivity, limited market access,
vulnerability to climate change, and an aging farming workforce that is often unwilling or
unable to adopt modern practices.

In particular, rural areas suffer from inadequate infrastructure, limited digital connectivity,
and a lack of access to appropriate technologies. These barriers discourage the youth
from pursuing farming as a viable and rewarding career, further aggravating the sector's
generational crisis.

The proposed Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation Act aims to address
these challenges by establishing a comprehensive support program under the
Department of Agriculture that will promote youth- and farmer-driven research and
innovation initiatives while also strengthening market linkages.

By ensuring that modem agricultural technology are more affordable, accessible, and
suited to local conditions, this measure seeks to empower farmers—especially the rural
youth—to boost productivity, increase incomes, and establish resilient, sustainable
livelihoods.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

___

EDWIN ONGCHUAN
Representative
Second District, Northern Samar

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RECEIVED <Z


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City, Metro Manila

‘Twentieth Congress First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1790

Introduced by Rep. Edwin Ongchuan

AN ACT PROMOTING RURAL AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AND
INNOVATION THROUGH A NATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR FARMERS AND
YOUTH, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the “Agricultural Technology
Access and Innovation Act”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote inclusive, modem, and sustainable agricultural development by ensuring that
farmers and the rural youth have equitable access to technology, knowledge, and
innovation. Toward this end, the State shall foster rural economic growth by supporting
the adoption of appropriate technologies, improving digital connectivity, and empowering
the next generation of farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms — As used in this Act, the following terms shall mean:

a. “Agricultural Technology” - refers to any machinery, equipment, software, digital
platform, or process innovation that improves agricultural productivity,
sustainability, market access, or resilience to climate change.

b. “Farmers” — refer to individual farmers, farmer cooperatives, associations, and
agrarian reform beneficiaries.

c. “Rural Youth” — refers to persons aged 15-35 residing in rural areas engaged or
intending to engage in agriculture.

. “Eligible Entity” — includes individual farmers, youth agriculture entrepreneurs,
cooperatives, accredited NGOs, and enterprises involved in agricultural
technology solutions.

SECTION 4. Rural Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation Program -There
is hereby established a Rural Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation Program
(RATAIP) under the Department of Agriculture, with the following components:


a. Agricultural Technology Grants and Subsidies - To ease the financial burden of
adopting modem tools, qualified farmers shall be entitled to partial subsidies to
acquire certified agricultural machinery, equipment, and digital solutions.

b. Digital Connectivity and Infrastructure Support - The RATAIP shall include the
establishment of rural agriculture digital centers offering internet access and
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training, as well as support for
the development of ICT infrastructure in farming communities through partnerships
with local government units (LGUs) and accredited private service providers.

c. Capacity-Building and Technical Training — \n cooperation with Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), state universities and
colleges (SUCs), and accredited private training providers, subsidized training
shall be made available to qualified farmers and rural youth, covering the use of
agricultural technology solutions, farm management software, e-commerce
platforms, and climate-resilient technologies.

d. Research and Development Support -To promote innovation, the RATAIP shall
provide funding for qualified youth-led or farmer-led research projects focused on
appropriate and sustainable agricultural technology solutions.

e. Market Linkage and E-Commerce Promotion ~ The RATAIP shall help farmers
access online platforms as an avenue for the sale of products and promote the
development of farmer-owned digital marketplaces.

SECTION 5. Technology Accreditation - The Department of Agriculture, in coordination
with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall establish a system for the
accreditation of agricultural technology products and services to ensure safety,
appropriateness, and quality standards for rural deployment.

SECTION 6. Inter-Agency Support - The Department of Agriculture shall coordinate
with the following agencies and entities for program implementation:

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)

Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Local Government Units (LGUs)

State Universities and Colleges (SUCs)

Private sector partners and NGOs.

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SECTION 7. Incentives - Private companies providing accredited agricultural technology
solutions, training, or connectivity infrastructure in rural areas under this program may
avail of fiscal incentives as provided by law, subject to guidelines issued by appropriate
agencies.

SECTION 8. Appropriations - The necessary funds for the implementation of this Act
shall be sourced from the existing budget of the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter,
funding requirements shall be duly incorporated into the annual budget of the Department
of Agriculture, in accordance with the regular budgetary process.


SECTION 9. Separability Clause - if any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force
and effect.

SECTION 10. Repealing Clause — Existing laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,
proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of
this Act are hereby amended, modified, superseded or repealed accordingly.

SECTION 11. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,