Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES °
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No. 3036

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It shall be the policy of the State to accelerate agricultural development by
optimizing the use of resources such as soils and water with the end in view of attaining
food security for domestic use and expanding/diversifying agricultural production for
export

In realizing such policy, Executive Order no. 116, s. 1987 further mandates the
Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) to advise and render assistance on
matters relative to the utilization and management of the soils and water as vital
agricultural resources; formulate measures and guidelines for effective soil, land, and
water resource utilization, as well as soil conservation in croplands and other
agricultural areas; undertake soil research programs; coordinate with the relevant
government agencies in resettlement areas and prepare the necessary plans for the
Provision of technical assistance in solving of soil impounding and prevention of soil
erosion, fertility preservation, and other related matters; engage in rainmaking projects
for agricultural areas, and watersheds to solve the problem of prolonged droughts and
minimize their effects on standing agricultural crops.

Being geographically challenged as a province, Dinagat Islands generally banks
on its agricultural sector. In 2019, BSWM conducted a soil mapping for soil fertility and
suitability wherein the result for Dinagat shows soil suitability on ten various
commodities such as coconut, fruit trees, banana, coffee, cacao, pineapple, root crops,
corn, vegetables, and rice. Albeit the result, as a newly recognized province, it still
needs intensive assistance relative to cost effective soil and water management in order
to utilize its inherent resources and enable maximum productivity of its crops and plants.
Considering the massive effect of continuous mining in the province, it is imperative to
have a frequent interpretation on soil and water quality indicators of heavy metal
pollution and contamination. However, presently, all soil testing for the Province of


Dinagat Islands is conducted not in its own grounds but in the Province of Davao which
veers away from achieving Dinagat’s goals for its agricultural sector.

It is also disconcerting that there is an insufficient water supply in Dinagat due to
the lack of adequate water systems. This in turn hampers agricultural productivity in the
province. Hence, in view of the foregoing, it is undeniable that the establishment of a
Provincial Bureau of Soils and Water Management in the Municipality of Basilisa,
Province of Dinagat Islands shall be prioritized in keeping with the needs of the
Dinagatnons especially in these times of pandemic and for a long-term sustainable
agriculture and land use stability.

In the best interest of our citizens, the approval ofthis bili

earnestly sought.

:CLEO

Representative, L District of Dinagat Islands


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3086

House Bill No.

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROVINCIAL BUREAU OF SOILS AND WATER
MANAGEMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT
ISLANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Establishment of Provincial Bureau of Soils and Water
Management in the Dinagat Islands. - There shall be established and maintained,
under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM), a
Provincial BSWM in the Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, to be
known as the BSWM Dinagat Islands Provincial Office which shall ensure effective soil,
land, and water resources utilization by undertaking projects and research on soil
conservation, irrigation, rainmaking, and other related activities.

SEC. 2. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the
department's program the operationalization of the BSWM Dinagat Islands Provincial
Office, the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year's
appropriations of the Department of Agriculture, and thereafter, the succeeding funding
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within six (6) months following
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. Should any part or provision of this Act be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions which are not affected thereby shall continue
to be in full force and effect.


SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof inconsistent
with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,