Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 43 54

Introduced by REP. Michael L. Romero

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This House Bill will be pushing for the rationalization of urban agriculture
and institutionalize farming in the highly-urbanized regions nationwide. Urban
agriculture is the production, processing and marketing of food in response to
the demand of consumers within a metropolitan area, with the application of
comprehensive production methods. This bill shall be known as “The Urban
Farming Act of 2016"

These urban poor are mostly restricted in terms of education and job
opportunities. This Urban Farming Act of 2016 will help them gain the benefits as
it will continue to promote better livelihood by providing non-market access to
food

The world population will drastically increase in the next 35 years.
Comprehensive Researches have shown that new lands will be sought to grow
enough food for everyone. Urban agriculture and farming will not only clean our
environment but it will also help minimize the effect of climate change. This
proposed House measure also seeks to combat the effects of over population
and climate change.

Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

4354

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. Michael L. Romero

AN ACT
PROMOTING THE USE OF URBAN FARMING IN THE METROPOLITAN
REGIONS TO ADDRESS FOOD SECURITY CONCERNS, ESTABLISHING
ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY FUNCTIONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Urban Farming Act
of 2016".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
republic to establish the fundamental rights of every person to sufficient food.
The achievement of self-sufficiency in food production is therefore adopted as a
primary state policy.

Moving forward, key reforms for the development of a comprehensive,
cost-effective and environmentally safe agricultural methods are hereby

encouraged in order to ensure the food security of the country.

SECTION 3. Rules and Regulations. - For purposes of this Act, the
designated Secretaries of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the

Depariment of Science and Technology (DOST) are hereby mandated to


promote the use of urban farming in the country's metropolitan regions as an
instrument lo address food security concerns and establish ecological

community functions of the Philippines.

Inactive, unused and abandoned government lots and buildings owned
by either national and local governments, and other available land resources in
state colleges and universities shall be considered for growing crops, raising

liveslock and producing food using the said comprehensive methods

SECTION 4. Inclusion in Agricultural Training.- Urban farming that are used
in agricultural production shall be integrated in the academic curriculum for

tertiary level students of both public and private academic institutions.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. ~ All laws,

and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby amended, repealed or

executive orders, issuances, rules

modified accordingly.

SECTION 6. Separability Clause. If, for any reason or reasons, any portion or
provision of this Act shall be held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining

provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect

SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,