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

DATE: §
Te: —_si
BY:

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No, 0656

Introduced by Rep. Christopher

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Young farmers have never had a voice as proper stakeholders in their communities, having litte
fo no representation in the decision-making process, both on policy formulation and the effective
‘implementation of government's programs. One reason is the non-recognition of young farmers as one
of the basic sectors in agriculture and the national food security. This disenffanchises young farmers and
neglects their legitimate concems, affecting the decline of the sector and young individuals engaged in
agricultural activities such as farming, animal husbandry, and fisheries and aquaculture,

In light of the alarming issue that the average age of Filipino farmers ranges from 57-59 years
old, and the waning interest of young individuals to engage in agriculture, there is an urgent need to
strengthen and improve the government's agricultural policies to better suit the needs of the new
generation of farmers and fisherfolk. Young farmers’ representation should be present inthe policy and
rogram formulation of government agricultural agencies and sectoral commissions.

This bill seeks to amend the composition of the National Agricultural and Fishery Council
(NAFC) by adding Young Farmers representation in the council and allowing the sector to voice out its
concems on the policy and decision-making level.

In view of the foregoing, this bill is earnestly sought.

REP. CHKI: V.P. DE VENECIA
Furth District, Pangasinan



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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No,_ 9656

Introduced by Rep. Christopher V.P. De Venecia
— $a Christopher V.P.DeVenecia

AN ACT
AMENDING THE COMPOSITION OF THE NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL AND
FISHERY COUNCIL TO FURTHER RECOGNIZE AND STRENGTHEN YOUNG
FARMERS’ PARTICIPATION IN NATION-BUILDING, AMENDING FOR THAT
PURPOSE REPUBLIC EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 116 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS.
“THE REORGANIZATION ACT OF THE MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND
FOOD,” AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Section 19 of Executive Order No. 1 16, otherwise known as “The
Reorganization Act of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food” is hereby amended to read as follows:

(a) XXX
(1) XXX

(2) National Agricultural and Fishery Council: The National Agricultural and Fishery
Council shall act as an advisory body, PROVIDED THAT, A YOUNG
FARMERS’ ORGANIZATION REPRESENTATIVE, DEFINED AS A
GROUP, REGISTERED AND ACCREDITED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, WHICH IS COMPOSED OF INDIVIDUALS
WHOSE PRIMARY SOURCE OF INCOME COMES FROM
AGRICULTURE, WITH AN AGE RANGE OF 15-35 YEARS OLD, IS
OWNER, TENANT, LESSEE OR WORKER OF THE LAND IN WHICH
THEY PERSONALLY CULTIVATE AND TILL, SHALL BE A MEMBER OF
THE COUNCIL, TO ADDRESS THE CONCERNS OF THE COUNTRY’S
NEW GENERATION OF FARMERS AND to ensure the success of Ministry
Programs and the activities and serve as the forum for consultative and continuing
discussions within agricultural sectors; fom the national level, it shall be replicated
down to the regional, provincial, and municipal levels;


(3) XXX
(4) XXX
(5) XXX

SEC. 2. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part hereof is held unconstitutional or invalid,
the other provisions not affected shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders and other issuances or parts thereof
inconsistent wit this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,