Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
            HOUSE BILL NO. 11296
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO  
Partylist Representative Alfred Delos Santos 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Agriculture used to be one of the Philippines' strongest sectors in the 
economy. However, agriculture's share in the country’s Gross Domestic 
Product (GDP) has been declining. From around 23 percent in 1988, 
agriculture’s share in the GDP rolled down to 8.8 percent in 2019.1 Although 
it increased to 9.39 percent in 2023,2 trend shows that agriculture, as a 
sector, contributes less and less to the country’s economy, in relation to 
manufacturing and services. 
The agricultural sector should not be left to decline, as a boosted 
agricultural sector would help us with food security and poverty issues. 
Thus, there is a need to infuse advancements made in agricultural 
technology with our farmers. This proposed measure addresses the need 
for technological advancement and expert support in the agricultural sector. 
By establishing Agri-Tech Centers and assigning skilled agricultural 
technicians, the Act aims to boost local agricultural productivity, enhance 
sustainability, and provide vital support to Filipino farmers. 
It is for these foregoing premises that approval of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
ALFRED C. DELOS SANTOS 
1 https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NV.AGR.TOTL.ZS?end=2023&locations=PH&start=1960&view=chart 
2 Id. 
January 15, 2025
3:26 pm


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila  
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
            HOUSE BILL NO. 11296 
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO  
Partylist Representative Alfred Delos Santos 
AN ACT MANDATING THE ASSIGNMENT OF AN AGRICULTURAL 
TECHNICIAN IN EACH LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT AND 
ENHANCING THE OPERATIONAL CAPABILITIES OF THE 
TECHNICIANS THEREOF 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Title. – Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Agricultural 
Technician and Agri-Tech Center Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to promote 
sustainable agricultural development, enhance productivity, and provide 
support to farmers through access to modern agricultural technologies and 
technical expertise.  
SECTION 3. Definition. As used in this Act: 
a) Agricultural Technician or Agri-Technician –individuals trained in
the hard sciences or engineering, who apply such knowledge and skills
in agricultural production, processing, and research.
b) Agri-Tech Centers – Facilities designed to provide farmers and local
communities access to modern agricultural technologies, training,
equipment, and research resources to enhance productivity and
sustainability.


SECTION 4. Coverage. - All Local Government Units and the Department of 
Agriculture are mandated to comply with the provisions of this Act. The 
creation of Agri-Tech Centers in localities with high agricultural activity is 
hereby encouraged as a priority initiative. 
 
SECTION 5. Assignment 
of 
Agri-Technicians. - The Department of 
Agriculture, through its regional and local offices, shall provide at least one 
(1) agri-technician for each level of local government.  
 
Agri-technicians shall: 
a) Conduct research to improve agricultural practices; 
b) Maintain and operate agricultural equipment and tools used by farmers; 
c) Provide technical assistance and recommendations to their local office 
to improve agricultural conditions; 
d) Collaborate with Agri-Tech Centers to ensure farmers have access to 
training, equipment, and modern technologies. 
 
Agri-technicians may not hold another public office concurrently with this role. 
 
SECTION 6. Establishment of Agri-Tech Centers. - LGUs, in coordination with 
the Department of Agriculture and other relevant government agencies, are 
encouraged to establish Agri-Tech Centers in appropriate areas. These centers 
shall: 
 
a) Serve as hubs for training farmers on modern agricultural techniques 
and technologies; 
b) Provide access to agricultural tools, equipment, and resources; 
c) Promote 
sustainable 
farming 
practices 
and 
climate-resilient 
technologies; 
d) Act as research facilities for studying and addressing local agricultural 
challenges. 
 
The DA shall develop guidelines and provide technical support for the 
establishment and operation of Agri-Tech Centers. 
 
SECTION 7. - Supervision and Control. -  The Department of Agriculture, 
through their regional and local offices, shall exercise control and supervision 
over the activities and outputs of the assigned agri-technicians per locale. 
  
SECTION 8. Appropriations. -  The funds necessary for the initial and 
continuous implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General 
Appropriations Act. 


 
SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent or 
contrary to the provision of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
  
SECTION 10. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) 
days following its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general 
circulation. 
 
Approved,