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Republic of the Philippi “ _E-Filed eX
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House oF Representatives [[Q  RECEIVED  @)
Quezon City TE DATE August 8, 2023

* TIME 2:25pm

Se sv kai
NINETEENTH CONGRESS Ks == a
Second Regular Session Wo in DEX:

HOUSE BILLNO.___ 8818

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MARIA R. ZUBIRI, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Agriculture plays a vital role in the Philippine economy. It provides employment
and food security for the population. However, farmers often face challenges such
as limited access to quality seedlings and expensive fertilizers which hinder their
productivity and profitability not to mention harsh weather patterns that destroy
their inputs. To address these issues, it is necessary to establish a comprehensive
subsidy program that will enable farmers to access affordable seedlings and
fertilizers.

Providing farmers subsidies for seedlings will enable them to obtain the necessary
plant varieties that are suited for their specific agricultural practices and local
conditions. On the other hand, fertilizers often have high cost that poses a financial
burden on farmers. Giving them access to subsidies will alleviate this burden and
enable them access to these crucial inputs at reduced prices.

This subsidy program will encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural
practices, improve crop yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the overall
sustainability of farming operations.

Finally, this subsidy program for agricultural farmers is a crucial step towards
supporting agricultural farmers in the country. Such a program will enhance
agricultural productivity, promote sustainable farming practices, and improve the
livelihoods of farmers. The implementation of such program can ensure long-term
growth and development of the agricultural sector in the country.

Thus, approval of this is earnestly sought.

Re
Third District, Bukidnon



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
‘Second Regular Session

HOUSEBILLNO. 8818

Introduced by
REPRESENTATIVE JOSE MARIA R. ZUBIRI, JR.

AN ACT
INSTITUTING A SEEDLING AND FERTILIZER SUBSIDY PROGRAM TO
ALL FARMERS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

8. it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines
jin Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Seedling and
Fertilizer Subsidy Act.”

Section 2. National Seedling and Fertilizer Subsidy Program. — The Department of
Agriculture (DA) shall implement a National Seedling and Fertilizer Subsidy
Program which shall benefit qualified farmers.

Section 3. Seedling Subsidy. - The DA shall provide seedling subsidy vouchers to
qualified farmer beneficiaries. The DA shall determine the amount of subsidy
vouchers not lower than P10,000.00 per hectare annually depending on the
current situation and prevailing market prices.

Section 4. Fertilizer Subsidy. - The DA shall provide fertilizer subsidy to qualified
farmer beneficiaries. The DA shall determine the amount of subsidy vouchers and
fertilizers depending on the current situation and prevailing market prices with the
following scheme:

a. Six bags of fertilizers or subsidy vouchers not lower than P10,000.00 per
hectare annually for those who plant inbred seeds;

b. Seven bags of fertilizers or subsidy vouchers not lower than P10,000.00 per
hectare for those who plant hybrid annually.

Section 5. Eligible Beneficiaries. - To be eligible for the seedling and fertilizer
subsidy, beneficiaries must meet the following criteria:

a. A bonafide Filipino citizen who is a member of the Agri-basic sector;

b. Must be at least 18 years old at the time of registration;

cc. Must be a farmer, farm laborer/worker or Agri-youth based on the Registry
‘System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) Definitions of Members of
the Agricultural and Fisheries Sector.


Qualified farmers registered under the RSBSA shall be automatically
induded as eligible beneficiaries of the subsidy program.

Section 6. Program Report. —- The DA shail annually submit to the agricultural
committee of both houses of Congress a report assessing the fertilizer and
pesticide subsidy program. Each report required shall include, for the one-year
Period ending on March of the year in which the report is submitted.

a. The number of farmers that participated in the program;

b. Information regarding the demographic characteristics of the farmer
beneficiaries;

c. Description of the steps taken by the DA to help the farmer beneficiaries;

d. Overall production performance by the farmer-beneficiaries;

e. Assessment of its impact in our National Food Security Plan.

Section 7. Appropriations. — The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
this Act shall be charged against those authorized in the current and subsequent
General Appropriations Act.

Section 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DA, in coordination with
relevant government agencies, shall issue rules, regulations, and guidelines
necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of this Act within six months from
date of effectivity.

Section 9. Mandatory Review on the Implementation of this Act. - The DA shall
‘submit to the Congress a report on the implementation of this Program at the end
of the second year from the date of effectivity of this Act and every two years
thereafter.

Section 10. Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act shall be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not otherwise affected shall remain
in full force and effect.

Section 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, rules and regulations
inconsistent with or contrary to this Act are hereby deemed accordingly repealed
or amended.

Section 12. Effectivity Clause. — This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days
from publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,