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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7392

Introduced by Hon, ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Itis the policy of the State to promote the wellbeing of farmers by providing an
environment in which they can increase their income, improve their living conditions
and maximize their contributions to the national economy.

In realizing this policy, Executive Order no. 116, s. 1987 further mandates the
Agricultural Training Institute to be responsible for the training of all agricultural
extension workers and their clientele, who are mostly farmers and other agricultural
workers; ensure that training programs address the real needs of the agricultural
sector; ensure that the research results are then communicated to the farmers
through the appropriate training and extension activities.

As the country’s second youngest province, Dinagat Islands still finds it
necessary to be trained for various strategies especially in innovative agricultural
practices. With a noticeable dismal decline of 1.2 per cent in agricultural production
in the first quarter of year 2020, it is about time that a growing number of more than
10,000 farmers in Dinagat Islands be given proper trainings in intensive production
methods to rekindle our agricultural sector. However, being geographically
challenged as a province further adds to the difficulty of having readily available
hands-on training programs, especially in this time of pandemic when most of the
people heavily rely on agriculture for food security.

Hence, the establishment of a provincial Agricultural Training Institute in the
Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands is undeniably necessary to
enable the province's poor farming households through the provision of sufficient
supply and trainings in increasing food production.

In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is eamestly sought.

ALAI CLEO
Representative, ona/ District of Dinagat Islands


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7392

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PROVINCIAL AGRICULTURAL TRAINING
INSTITUTE IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT
ISLANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Establishment of Provincial Agricultural Training Institute in
the Province of Dinagat Islands. - There shall be established and maintained,
under the direct supervision of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), a Provincial
ATI in the Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, to be known as the
Provincial ATI of Dinagat Islands which shall ensure and promote the training of
agricultural extension workers and their beneficiaries, shall lead in the delivery of e-
extension services for agriculture, fisheries, and other related activities.

SEC. 2. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the
department's program the operationalization of the Provincial ATI of Dinagat Islands,
the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year's appropriations
of the Department of Agriculture, and thereafter, the succeeding funding shall be
included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within six (6) months
following the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. Should any part or provision of this Act be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,