Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE Bitt No. 4221

Introduced by REP. Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

By 2030, the population is expected to consume about 18 million metric tons of
rice or 26.61 million metric tons of palay according to the Bureau of Agricultural
Statistics (BAS). In 2006 (BAS), annual rice production deficit stands at 3.84 million
metric tons.

Losses and wastage estimated at 18.47% will have been reduced through more
efficient tillage: increased cropping intensity by 3 cropping cycles a year;
increased efficiency of farm inputs application; and, more precise planting
density that increases productivity per area planting of rice (palay).

This legislation proposes to meet the basic challenges to the country's
agricultural sector:

* To meet the growing demand for food, agricultural production must
therefore increase significantly in the face of less labor, less land, and
less water along with greater concern for climate change.

* Farmers agricultural products must meet quality standards and
reduced cost of production to compete in global free trade, now that


quantitative restrictions in rice have been technically lifted by the
World Trade Organization (WTO).

* Enhancement in agricultural mechanization have not been exploited
to the optimum as most farmers are sfill using inefficient manual tools
which translate to low productivity and high wastage.

This House Bill is supportive of the Food Staples Sufficiency Roadmap for
2016 to 2021, with it proposes improvements in farm mechanization
level in rice production and in livestock and fisheries production.

* This House Bill proposes a holistic approach to farm mechanization,
integrating local production of farm machineries through increased
research and development, agricultural extension work, provision of
credit facilities, strengthened public-private participation and
regulatory measures in farm equipment production, ensuring
adaptability and appropriateness of technologies.

* The utilization of renewable energy in a matter that is linked to this
legislation, addresses the need to lower production cost. This Bill

supports the integrated system of biomass and waste utilization and
researches towards developing energy from agricultural waste itself.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.

MICHAEL//L. ROMERO Ph.D


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Firs! Regular Session

HOUSE BILL no4221-

Introduced by REP. Michael L. Romero

AN ACT

ESTABLISHING FARM MECHANIZATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE
COUNTRY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy — it shall be the policy of the state to:

1. Provide a possible environment to the local manufacturing of engines,
machinery and facilities for agricultural and fisheries production,
marketing and processing;

2. Promote enhancement and adaption of modem, cost-effective and safe
agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment;

3. Enhance farm productivity and efficiency to achieve safety and food
security;

4, Establish regulatory activities thru the enhancement of machinery and
performance standards, periodic testing and evaluation;


5.

aARwON—

Provide registration and accreditation with classification of suppliers and
manufacturers to ensure compliance to quality standards of locally and
imported manufactured equipments;

Establish support services; credit facilities, research and training programs;

. Rationalize and enhance the implementation, coordination activities and

mechanism on agricultural and fishery programs.

SECTION 2. Definition of Terms

. DTl-Department of Trade and Industry

DOLE - Department of Labor and Employment
DOST - Department of Science and Technology

. TESDA - Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

BOAE - Board of Agricultural Engineering of the PRC

. AMTEC - Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center

SECTION 3. Coverage ~ the provisions of this act shall apply to promotion,

distribution, research, development and training, manufacturing, regulation and
maintenance of agricultural and fishery equipment.

AARON

SECTION 4. Human Resources Development

. Promote local manufacturing of agricultural engines and equipments:
.. Development of technical standards and testing procedures;

.. Development of post-production mechanization systems:

. Ufilzation of renewable resources;

Commercialization and testing of specific locations;
Promote land consolidation and machinery pooling.

SECTION 5. Research and Training

. Fabrication of agricultural machinery;
. Establishment of agricultural and industrial extension activities:
. Create commercialization techniques representing demand and supply

co-relation technologies;

|. Training all personnel engaged in agricultural and fisheries machinery.


SECTION 6. Rules and Regulations - The Department of Agriculture (DA)
shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation
of this Act. In coordination with the DTI, DOST, BOAE, DOLE, TESDA and AMTEC.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws, executive orders, issuances, rules
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed or
modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. If, for any reason or reasons, any portion or
provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining
provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect (15) days upon
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,