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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1406 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is the policy of the State to promote and accelerate the development of the seed industry. 
Pursuant to Republic Act 7308, the government is mandated to conserve, preserve, and develop 
the plant genetic resources of the nation, encourage and hasten the organization of all sectors 
engaged in the seed industry, integrate all their activities and provide assistance to them, consider 
the seed industry as a preferred area of investment, encourage the private sector to engage in seed 
research and development and in mass production and distribution of good quality seeds, and 
provide the local industry protection against unfair competition from imported seeds.  
The combined consequences of increasing global tariffs, climate change and rising fuel 
costs due to regional unrest expose the urgent need for the country to adopt resilient food systems 
and strengthen local food production. These challenges continue to hinder importation and 
transportation of agricultural commodities, thus food supply and its affordability remain at risk.  
The City of Ormoc, being an agricultural city, is primed for the establishment of a seedling 
bank that can effectively support the local agricultural industry. Such a seedling bank could assist 
farmers with the propagation of crop varieties that could withstand the challenges of climate 
change. This could boost food self-sufficiency to contribute in achieving food security and 
promoting sustainable agriculture.  
A provincial seedling bank that could safely store varieties of quality seeds against 
environmental hazards, conserve biodiversity, and allow for easy transport of quality seeds and 
seedlings is an appropriate adaptation measure in the Province of Leyte.  
July 7, 2025
11:24 am


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In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 1406 
______________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
AN ACT  
ESTABLISHING THE PROVINCIAL SEEDLING BANK IN THE CITY OF ORMOC, 
PROVINCE OF LEYTE AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. There shall be established and maintained, under the direct supervision of 
the Bureau of Plant Industry, a provincial seedling bank located in the City of Ormoc, Province 
of Leyte, to be known as Ormoc Seedling Bank for the purpose of ensuring the stable and 
continuous availability of quality seeds and the safety of plant food, with the end in view of 
safeguarding the plant industry.  
SEC. 2. The Secretary of Agriculture shall immediately include in the agency’s programs 
the operationalization of the Ormoc Seedling Bank, the funding of which shall initially come 
from the savings funds of the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, such sum as may be 
necessary for the efficient operation and maintenance of said office 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. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof inconsistent with this Act 
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.  


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SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take fifteen (15) days after its publication in the 
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
 
Approved,