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EXPLANATORY NOTE

Fruit-bearing trees are a resource that is ubiquitous yet underutilized and
underdeveloped, especially in the local level. Beyond aesthetic value, they can
provide shade, prevent soil erosion, and provide a source of food that can be used
simply by the household or sold or even turned into a full-scale enterprise.

By providing 2 very localized access to technology and training, as well as the
seeds and seedlings to grow fruit-bearing trees and plants, there is an opportunity for
the local population to engage in enterprise and contribute to the strategy of the
National Government to create an additional six million jobs in the agricultural sector
in the next six years.

Moreover, in the Philippines, the fruits industry could be transformed into a
booming industry, with great domestic as well as export market potential. It is
therefore the intent of this bill to establish local community orchards that will serve as
initial core training and research facilities and experimental plant stations with
capabilities to disperse and distribute planting materials which are all designed to
spark interest in the growth, harvest, and potential income generation provided by
fruit-bearing trees and plants.

Considering the merits of this Bill, its early approval is earnestly requested

Wp pA |

LUIS; ‘MUNI ILLAFUERTE JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Queson City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 965

Introduced by HONORABLE LUIS RAYMUND F. VILLAFUERTE JR.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMMUNITY ORCHARD IN EVERY CITY OR
MUNICIPALITY OF EVERY PROVINCE OF THE PHILIPPINES, ALLOCATING
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. There is hereby authorized to be
established a community orchard of not less than five thousand square meters
(6,000 sq.m.), preferably one (1) hectare or more, in every City of Municipality of
every Province of the Philippines.

The establishment of said community orchards shall be provided with
technical assistance by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(DENR), and the latter shall also arrange to provide the said community orchards
with the initial core of planting materials of different types of fruit-bearing trees and
plants.

The community orchards shall be located in such appropriate locations with
appropriate topsoil conditions and climactic characteristics as shall be suitable for
the growing of fruit-bearing trees and plants.

SECTION 2. Powers and Functions of the Community Orchards. The
community orchards established in every City and Municipality in every Province of
the Philippines as herein specified shall have the following powers and functions:



a. establish experimental plantations of different fruit-bearing trees and
plants;

b. establish a center within the garden where the said trees and plants can
be processed, packaged and sold, or where seeds, seedlings or cutting
could be dispersed to barangays;

¢. create information programs and seminars that will educate the local
populace about the growing and harvest of fruit-bearing trees and plants
for food and profit; and

d. provide technical and other advisory services to those already engaged or
are interested in engaging in enterprises related to fruit-bearing trees and
plants.

SECTION 3. The cost of acquiring the land, constructing the appropriate
building thereon and the complement of equipment and machinery, required to start
the operation of the community orchards shall be provided by the respective
Provincial Governments in which they are established, in cooperation with the
respective Cities and Municipalities in which said community orchards are to be
established. Acquisition of the land site for the community orchards may also be
acquired by donation, bequeath, expropriation or through lease or usufruct.

Thereafter, such sums as shall be necessary to operate and conduct the
training programs and other projects of the community orchards shall be
incorporated in the Annual General Appropriations Ordinances of the Provincial
Governments and the respective Cities and Municipalities in which they shall be
established. Other funding support to the community orchards may be provided from
allocations of funds that may be provided by other executive departments of the
National Government or any of its agencies and/or from such financial assistance as
may be arranged by the District Representatives in Congress or other legislators.
Grants from local or foreign sources may also be obtained or availed of.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take immediate effect upon its approval

Approved,