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 
Agriculture remains a critical pillar of the Philippine economy, providing employment and 
livelihood to millions of Filipinos, particularly in rural areas. Despite its importance, the sector 
continues to face persistent challenges, including declining productivity, vulnerability to climate 
change, limited access to updated technology, and inadequate delivery of government support 
services. 
One of the key systemic issues lies in the fragmented and under-resourced agricultural 
extension system. While extension services were devolved to local government units (LGUs) 
under the Local Government Code of 1991, this has resulted in significant disparities in the 
quality, reach, and effectiveness of services across the country. Many LGUs struggle with 
insufficient personnel, outdated knowledge, and lack of access to real-time data needed to 
respond to the evolving needs of farmers. 
This proposed measure seeks to strengthen the national framework for agricultural extension 
services by establishing a more coordinated, capacitated, and professionalized extension 
workforce, equipped with updated technical knowledge and tools to deliver timely and science-
based agricultural advice. It also envisions closer collaboration between the Department of 
Agriculture, LGUs, state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other stakeholders to ensure 
unified service delivery. 
In line with the goals of food security, rural development, and inclusive economic growth, the 
passage of this measure is urgently needed to make Philippine agriculture more responsive, 
resilient, and globally competitive. 
In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly requested. 
RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ 
  MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR. 
August 18, 2025
3:16 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 
STRENGTHENING THE AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SYSTEM, ENHANCING DATA 
COLLECTION AND REPORTING MECHANISMS, AND IMPROVING THE DELIVERY OF 
SUPPORT SERVICES TO FARMERS AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL, AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
Section 1. Purpose and Objectives. – This Act aims to promote localized planning and 
budgeting in agriculture development, enhancing the comparative and competitive 
advantages of each region, province, and municipality. 
Section 2. Framework for Localized Planning. – The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall 
adopt a localized planning and budgeting framework, capacitating Local Government Units 
(LGUs) to develop: 
(a) Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development and Investment Plans (MAFDPs); and
(b) Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development Plans (PAFIDPs).
Section 3. This framework aims to: 
(a) Enhance localized planning and budgeting in agriculture development;
(b) Promote comparative and competitive advantages of each region, province, and
municipality; and
(c) Improve food security, income generation, and agricultural productivity.
Section 4. Capacitation of LGUs. – The DA shall provide technical assistance and capacity-
building programs for Municipal Agriculturists and Provincial Agriculturists to develop and 
implement MAFDPs and PAFIDPs. 
Section 5. Municipal Agriculture and Fishery Development and Investment Plan (MAFDP). – 
Each municipality shall develop a MAFDP outlining agriculture development programs and 
projects, with clear targets, goals, and objectives. 
Section 6. Provincial Agriculture and Fishery Investment and Development Plan (PAFIDP). –
Each province shall develop a PAFIDP, consolidating all MAFDPs, with defined key indicators 
of success in: 
(a) Food security;
(b) Income generation; and
(c) Supporting agriculture enterprise projects.
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Section 7. LGUs shall be capacitated to design, plan, and monitor agriculture projects, 
ensuring effective implementation and evaluation. 
 
Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – The DA, in coordination with relevant 
agencies, shall issue implementing rules and regulations (IRR) within 90 days from the 
effectivity of this Act. 
 
Section 9. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be included in 
the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
Section 10. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
 
Approved,