SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 313 
Introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Villar 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
"13 
JUL -2 A 9 :56 
Did you ever imagine that plants can be cultivated in a soil-less environment? Or 
that crops can be grown with their roots hanging in the air? 
The answer is yes. And it is through a technology called hydroponics agriculture. 
In recent years, growing plants through hydroponics---that is, with the roots in a medium 
other than soil---has stirred the imagination of many persons engaged in planting and 
agriculture. 
Derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "po nos" meaning 
labour, hydroponics agriculture promote the scarce use of land resources. It reduces 
pest problems and yields more productivity. In areas where soil is lacking or unsuitable 
for growth, hydroponics offers an alternative production system. For plant hobbyists and 
for those who want to pursue urban agriculture, it can be utilized considering limited 
space and energy required. 
In the United States, it has been proven that it enhances lush vegetation resulting 
in fresh produce with more nutritional value. In the Philippines, while it has not been 
adapted fully, pioneering efforts in Tagaytay City and in Subic have been commenced 
with positive indications. In fact, in an agricultural update, it has been noted that a one 
hundred square meter hydroponics farm may yield a half a million yield of vegetables 
and food farm products. 
Considering that food security is a perennial concern affecting citizens and 
believing that hydroponics is a suitable technology in the context of Philippine 
agriculture, the early recognition of this legislation is earnestly sought. 
k~0f.\ 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No . .-...::3::..,:1=3_ 
Introduced by Senator Cynthia A. Villar 
'13 
JUL -2 A9 :56 
1 
AN ACT 
2 
PROMOTING HYDROPONICS AGRICULTURE AS AN INSTRUMENT TO 
3 
SOLVE PROBLEMS OF FOOD SECURITY AND AS A MECHANISM OF WISE 
4 
USE OF SCARCE LAND RESOURCES 
5 
6 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
7 
Congress assembled: 
. 
8 
9 
SECTION 1. Hydroponics agriculture is hereby promoted as a mechanism to 
10 
solve food security and the modernization of agriculture. 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
As used in this Act, hydroponics agriculture is a method of growing plants using 
mineral nutrient solutions instead of soil. It is a form of soil-less culture, where crops are 
cultivated with no solid medium for the roots. 
, 
SEC. 2. The Department of Agriculture shall ensure the proper and adequate 
information dissemination of the basic information, benefits and best use of the 
hydroponics agriculture technology to the general public. 
20 
Idle government lands owned by either national or local governments or available 
21 
land resources in state universities and colleges shall be considered for growing plants 
22 
and vegetation using hydroponics agriculture. 
23 
24 
Information on the following areas of hydroponics agriculture technology may be 
25 
included in its public campaign and popularization: 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
a. 
b. 
c. 
d. 
e. 
hydroponics system; 
water culture, aquaculture and nutriculture which are systems in which the 
plant roots are immersed in water containing dissolved nutrients; 
aggregate culture in which a material sand, gravel and marbles supports 
the plant roots; 
aeroponics in which the plant roots hang in the air and are misted 
regularly with a nutrient solution; 
benefits and practical utilization of hydroponics. 
36 
SEC. 3. 
Hydroponics agriculture shall be integrated in such academic 
37 
requirements as Farming, Practical Arts, Home Economics or appropriate subject in 
38 
elementary and secondary education of both public and private academic institutions. 
39 
40 
SEC. 4. 
This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete 
41 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
42 
43 
Approved,