NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —_)
First Regular Session )

BY:

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2072 —S

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative JAIME EDUARDO MARC D. COJUANGCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The future of the nation rests upon the shoulder of its youth. if we want positive
changes in the years to come in certain sectors, we must focus our efforts on enriching
the skills and knowledge of the young. In no other way but education can the youth
sharpen their skills and knowledge in solving perennial issues and problems in our
society, hence it is only right to include these topics in the curriculum of primary and
secondary education.

One issue that this representation wishes to address is our country’s agricultural
sector. Having almost 50% of its land devoted to agriculture, for decades, the
Philippines is known to be an agricultural state. However, there is an alarming rate
wherein agricultural lands are converted to residential and industrial lands. This fact is
alarming because it will certainly have adverse effects in the decades to come
concerning our country’s food security.

This problem may be the result of not introducing the importance of the
agricultural sector in a person’s developmental stage. Hence, it is only logical for young
Filipinos to know the importance of agriculture and what are the best practices other
countries are employing to achieve economies of scale in their endeavor. Therefore, it is
high time that we stir their interest in improving the country’s agricultural sector.

For this reason. This representation seeks to include in the curriculum of primary
and secondary education the discussions on agricultural topics. Agricultural topics shall
consist of but shall not be limited to the following:

a) History of Agricultural Development;
b) Technologies in Agriculture;

©) Entrepreneurship and Economics of Agriculture; and
d) Urban Agriculture

By including important and relevant agricultural topics in primary and
secondary education, it shall act as the catalyst wherein the youth shall develop their
interest in the importance of improving our country’s agricultural sector.

In this regard, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought,
JAIME EDUARDO MARC D, COJUANGCO,

Representative
1* District of Tarlac



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NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session )

2072

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative JAIME EDUARDO MARC D. COJUANGCO

AN ACT
MANDATING INCLUSION OF URBAN AGRICULTURE, AGRICULTURAL
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND ECONOMY, AND OTHER IMPORTANT
AGRICULTURAL CONCEPTS AS PART OF THE CURRICULUM OF ALL
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

Section 1 Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared that it is the policy of
the State:

a.) to promote agriculture which still plays a major role in the Philippines’ economy,
environment, labor, and lifestyle of its people;

b,) to establish, maintain, and support a complete, adequate, and integrated system
of education relevant to the needs of the people and the society;

c) to encourage non-formal and informal learning systems, as well as

d.) to encourage non-formal, informal, and indigenous learning systems, as well as
self-learning, independent, and out-of-school study programs particularly those
that respond to community needs.

Section 2. Inclusion of Agricultural Education in the Curriculum. - Veaching
and discussions on agricultural topics are hereby required to be part of the curriculum
of all primary and secondary schools in the Philippines.

For this purpose, the Department of Education (DepEd) shall coordinate and
consult with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and
Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and other relevant public
and private institutions in developing a curriculum and determining in which level it is

appropriate.
Section 3. _inplementing Rules and Regulations, - Within twelve (12) months

from the date of effectivity of this Act, DepEd shall adopt the necessary rules and
regulations to implement the provisions of this Act.

Section 4. Appropriations. - The amount a to carry out the provisions
of this Act shall be included and incorporated in the annual general appropriations act

(GAA) of DepEd.


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Section 5. — Repealing Clause. - All other laws, acts, presidential decrees,
executive orders, presidential proclamations, issuances, rules and regulations, or parts
thereof which are contrary to or inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are
hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 6. _ Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,