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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3550

Introduced by Representative Lex Anthony Cris A. Colada

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rainfed agriculture or dryland farming refers to the cultivation of crops without
irrigation utilizing mainly water that comes from precipitation stored in the unsaturated
soil. This is popular in drylands mostly located in Northern Luzon, Central Visayas and
Southern Mindanao. in fact, the Philippines has more than 7.5 million hectares of dryland
or rainfed areas which accounts for three-fourth of the ten (10) million hectares of total
cultivated areas. Furthermore, over five (5) million poor households in the country are
dependent on dryland farming and it contributes about 40% of total domestic food
production, There is no denying that rainfed agriculture is crucial to the food security of
the Philippines, however, it is becoming more and more difficult because of the problems
associated with climate change, among others.

This bill seeks to establish the Philippine Rainfed Agriculture institute (PhilRAl), as
an attached agency to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve the livelihood of
resource-poor rainfed communities and empower them to cope with drought, global
warming, rising food prices, land degradation and other risks arising from environmental
and climate changes. The institute shall be tasked in preserving natural resources,
ensuring food security, and providing socio-economic assistance to resource-poor rainfed
agriculture farmers. a

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

LEX ANTHONY CRIS A. COLADA
AAMBIS-Owa Partylist

/


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

NINETEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO.” 355

Introduced by Representative Lex Anthony Cris A. Colada

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE RAINFED AGRICULTURE INSTITUTE AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Rainfed
Agriculture Institute Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — Pursuant to Article ll, Section 16 of the 1987
Philippine Constitution, the State hereby declares the policy of protecting and advancing
the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature.

It adheres to the principle of protecting natural resources to ensure food security,
reducing poverty, protecting the environment and addressing issues such as climate
change, community empowerment and improved livelihoods.

SEC. 3. Philippine Rainfed Agriculture Institute. - The Philippine Rained

Agriculture Institute, hereinafter referred to as PhilRAI, is hereby established as an


attached agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve the livelihood of
resource-poor rainfed communities and empower them to cope with drought, global
warming, rising food prices, land degradation and other risks arising from environmental

and climate changes.
SEC. 4. Objectives. - The objectives of this Act are as follows:

a. Build climate resilient agriculture in the rainfed areas through sustainable and
integrated approach by enhancing the impact of natural resources and adapting various
coping strategies on climate change and building capacity of different stakeholders;

b. Develop a robust and innovative farmer-centered, need-based national Rainfed

Agriculture research for development and extension corporate programs;
c. Strengthen and modernize the Philippine Rainfed Agriculture

d. improve the livelihood of resource-poor rainfed farmers and promote the general
welfare of rainfed farming communities; and
e. Develop or strengthen related programs in partnership and consultation with the
DA Bureau of Agriculture Research (DA-BAR), DA Regional Research Centers, the
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic Forestry, and Natural Resources Research and
Development (PCAARRD), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the private sector,
civil society organizations and international research organizations.

SEC. 5. Strategic Framework of PhilRAl, - The PhilRAI shall, within six (6)
months from the effectivity of this Act, formulate a Strategic Framework on Philippine
Rainfed Agriculture. The Framework shall serve as the basis for developing programs on

Rainfed Agriculture, and action plan for research, development, extension and monitoring


activities. The Framework shail be reviewed every three (3) years, or as may be deemed
necessary
SEC. 6. Components of the Strategic Framework of PhilRAI. - The Framework

shall include but not limited to the following components:

a. Building climate resilient communities;

b. Resilient farming systems innovation;

©. Integrated natural resources management;

¢. Enabling policy guidelines and institutional arrangements;
. Database development and management

f. Capacity building;
9g. Productivity enhancement;

h. Advocacy and information dissemination;
i. Monitoring and evaluation; and

j. Gender mainstreaming and development.

SEC. 7. Programs and Action Plans. — The PhilRAI shall formulate a Program
and Action Plan in accordance with the Framework within one (1) year after its
formulation. This shall include but not limited to the following components:

a. Assessment of benchmark information on Philippine Rainfed Agriculture, Assess
the climate vulnerability/change in selected communities and identify natural resources
management strategies with high probability of success in the context of climate variability

and change;



b. Designing the biophysical landscape of the agro-ecosystem that will incorporate
water harvesting and management, soil erosion prevention and social preparation for

community-based shared water use arrangements;

¢. Developing appropriate farming systems where crops and livestock are identified,
together with farmers that are adapted to such environment situations as well as
responding to market opportunities;

d. Understanding socio-culture and socio-economic dynamics towards better farmer

participation and commitment on its programs;

e. Developing community and institution capabilities for shared management of
resources and products;
f. Common understanding and capability among program proponents (researches,
extension personnel, development managers and local political leaders) of the program
approaches, goals, and expected outputs and impacts;
g. Obtaining support from local government, private institutions and international
research organizations; and
h. Develop enabling policy guidelines and institutional arrangements for integrated
agro-ecosystem development and management, and increasing resilience of rural
communities to climate variabilityichange for sustainable intensification and livelihoods of
smaliholder farmers.

SEC. 8. Principal Office and Branches. - The PhilRAI shall have a principal
office in Metro Manila or elsewhere as its Board of Trustees may decide. It may also

establish offices, branches, satellite stations or networks in geographically suitable


regions in the Philippines as may be necessary or proper for the accomplishment of its

goal and objectives.

SEC. 9. Duties and Functions. — The PhilRAI shall exercise duties and functions
which
shall include but not limited to the following:
a. Lead and coordinate a national network for Rainfed Agriculture research for
development and extension programs in different agro-ecological regions of the
country;
b. Plan, monitor, evaluate, conduct, and fund research for development and
extension activities on Rainfed Agriculture;
c. Create an information database, collect, package and share new knowledge and
innovations though moder information and communication technology and other
innovative approaches;
d. Enhance income of farmers through sustainable and market-linked rainfed
production systems, genetic improvement by conventional and biotechnology
approaches, and natural resources management;
. Develop and implement a robust social mobilization, communication and capacity
building program among farmers, rural women, researchers, extension workers,
development managers, local administrators and entrepreneurs towards the conduct of
on-farm demonstration, technology utilization and technology commercialization

activities;


f, Identify and map out development pathways towards efficient and productive
rainfed agro-industries through appropriate socio-economic measures and public-private
partnerships; and

g. Develop databases, guide public policy formulation and pursue policy advocacy
that will stimulate, modernize and sustain Rainfed Agriculture, food crops production,
processing and marketing systems and put these in the hands of farmers through their

organizations.
SEC. 10. Corporate Powers. — PhilRAI shall exercise the corporate powers, but
not limited to the following

a Exercise all the powers of a corporation under the general corporation law in so

for as such powers are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act;

b. Enter into, make and execute contracts and agreements of any kind or nature, and

to sue and be sued in its corporate name;

c. Borrow funds and obtain loans from all sources, whether local or foreign and
whether government or private, to help finance its research for development and

extension programs and its capital and operating expenditures;

d. Invest in, purchase or otherwise acquire own, hold, use, lease, mortgage, pledge.
encumber, sell, assign, convey, exchange, or otherwise deal in real or personal properties
of whatever kind of nature, or any interest therein including shares of stock, bonds, notes,
securities, and other evidences of indebtedness of natural or juridical persons, whether

domestic or foreign and whether government and private;


e. Acquire from the government, whether national or local of from any person,
corporation, partnership, association or other entity, such characters, franchises,
licenses, rights, privileges, assistance, financial or otherwise and concessions as may be
conducive to and necessary for proper for the attainment of the goal and objectives of
PhiIRAI; and
f. Receive and acquire from any person, government and private entities, whether
foreign or domestic, grants, donations and contributions consisting of such properties,
real or personal, including funds and valuable effects, as may be useful, necessary or
proper to carry out its purposes and objectives and administer the same in accordance
with the terms of such grants, donations, and contributions and consistent with its
purposes and objectives.

SEC. 11. Board of Trustees. — The corporate functions and powers of PhilRAI
shall be exercised, and all its business activities and properties shall be controlled by a
Board of Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the Board.

The Board shall be composed of the Secretary of Agriculture as ex-officio Chair
and
fourteen (14) members. The members of the Board shall be appointed by the President

of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture.
The members of the Board shall be composed of the following:
a. Director of the DA Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR);

b. Director of the DABureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM); Director

of the DA Agricultural Training Institute (DA-AT!);


c. Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry and

Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD);

d. Executive Director of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC);

. Deputy Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA);

f, Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM);

g. Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission (CCC);

h. President of the League of Provinces;

i. Representative from the academe;

i Representative of farmers’ organization operating in rainfed areas;
k. Representative of women's self-help group operating in rainfed areas;
Ih Representative from private sector engaged in agribusiness; and

m. _ Representative from Philippine scientists association working on natural resources
management.

The PhiIRAI Executive Director shall act as the Secretary of the Board. All
government officials in the Board shall serve ex-officio members and shall not receive
any additional salary or compensation

The representatives shall be appointed by the President from a list of nominees
submitted by their respective groups/associations. They shall serve for a term of two (2)

years without reappointment unless their representation is withdrawn by the sector they


represent. Appointment to any vacancy shall only be for the unexpired term of the
predecessor.

SEC. 12. Per Diem. - The Chair and members of the Board shall receive per diem,
as the Board may determine, for each meeting actually attended. Such members shall
also be entitled to reimbursable transportation and representation allowances in going to
and coming from board meetings and in transacting official business for PhilRAI

SEC. 13. Meetings of the Board. - The Board shall meet once every three (3)
months, or as often as may be deemed necessary by the Chairperson. The Chairperson
may likewise call meetings upon government agencies for the proper implementation of
this Act.

SEC. 14, Powers and Functions of the Board. — The Board shall exercise the
following powers and functions:

a. Guide the formulation of the vision, mission, strategy and research for
development and extension priorities of PhilRAl;

b. Approve policies, programs, plans and operational procedures of PhilRA\;

c. Approve PhilRA\'s organizational structure, staffing pattern, operating and capital
expenditures, and budget in accordance with its corporate plan;

d. Approve salary ranges, benefits, privileges, bonuses and other terms and
conditions of service for all officers and employees of PhilRAI upon the recommendation
of the Executive Director;

e. Appoint, transfer, promote, suspend, remove or discipline any officer or employee

of PhilRAI, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director;


f. Create relevant committees and appoint members thereof as may be necessary
and proper for the management of PhilRAI; and

g. Exercise such other powers and functions and perform such other acts as may be
necessary for the attainment of the goals and objectives of PhilRAI or as may be
delegated by the Secretary of Agriculture.

SEC. 15. Executive Director. - PhilRAl shall be headed by an Executive Director
who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of
the Board, and based on the evaluation of a Search Committee through the office of the
Secretary of Agriculture.

a. The Executive Director shall serve for a term of six (6) years, subject to only one
term extension of six (6) years or less for very meritorious performance, or a maximum
term of twelve (12) years; and

b. The Executive Director shall be assisted by Deputy Executive Directors, division
heads and program directors as the Board may determine to carry out the objectives of
PhIIRAI.

SEC. 16. Duties of the Executive Director. — The Executive Director shall be
directly responsible to the Board, and shall have the following duties:

a. Exercise dynamic leadership, create a vision, map out the mission, provide
strategic direction, and supervise the implementation of all research for development and

extension programs and, in general, to supervise the operations of PhilRAl;


b. Execute contracts, incur obligations, acquire and dispose assets, and deliver
documents on behalf of PhilRAI within the framework of the authority delegated by the
Board;

c. Implement and enforce policies, decisions, orders, rules and regulations that are

promulgated or adopted by the Board; and

d. Exercise such other powers and functions and perform such other duties as may
be authorized, delegated or assigned by the Board

SEC. 17. Technical Advisory Committee. - A Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC), organized and approved by the Board, shall assist the Executive Director, Deputy
Executive Directors, division heads and program directors in pursuing inter-agency
activities and participation of the national agriculture research development and extension
networks.

The TAC shall be composed of not more than nine (9) members who are heads or
representatives of agencies, government, private or international, that are actively
involved in Rainfed Agriculture research, production, processing, marketing, policy

formulation and advocacy, and capacity building

SEC. 18. Facilities and Manpower. - PhilRA| shall undertake its initial operations
in the existing offices, laboratories and experimental stations and other similar
government institutions within the DA. Furthermore, DA, collaborating SUCs and

international research organizations shall deploy selected personnel and scientists to

assist PhilRAI in pursuing its research, development and extension programs.



SEC. 19. Services of Government Personnel. — The PhilRAI shall, for the
purpose of its research for development activities, obtain and secure the services of
scholars, scientists, and technical personnel of SUCs, DA and related agencies of the
national government and international research organizations. Such personnel may be

given honoraria or incentives as may be fixed and authorized by the Board

SEC. 20. Buildings and Equipment. — PhilRAI is hereby authorized to own,
acquire, borrow, lease, hold, plan and construct buildings, laboratories, experimental
stations, and other facilities as may be necessary or proper to attain its goal and

objectives.

PhiIRAI is also authorized to purchase equipment, materials and articles, either
locally or abroad, as may be necessary or proper to carry out its powers and functions
and attain its purposes and objectives. Provided, however, that it shall be exempted from
the payment of any and all forms of taxes, duties, fees and charges of any and all such
importation of equipment, materials, articles and services. Provided, further, that the
same are not available locally on favorable terms

SEC. 21. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Agriculture, and Budget and

Management are hereby authorized and directed to set aside, out of the Agricultural

Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) and other fund sources of DA, the amount

of Five Hundred Million Pesos (Php 500,000,000) as the initial budget of PhilRAI for its
start-up and operating expenses. Thereafter, the annual budget of PhilRAI's operations
shall be provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act. The appropriations herein
provided shall be subject to the fiscal control and management procedures provided for

in Executive Order (EO) No. 714, Series of 1981.


All funds, savings and income of PhilRAI shall be considered part of the funds
automatically released to the latter, subject to the fiscal control and management
procedures provided for in EO 714. Such funds, savings and income shall be used to

achieve the goal and objectives for which PhilRAI was established.

SEC. 22. Civil Service Laws. - PhilRAl and its officers and employees shall be
subject to the Civil Service Law, rules and regulations. Technical personnel shall be
selected on the basis of the highest possible standards of merit and fitness for public
service to be determined in accordance with such policies and guideline as may be
approved by the Board.

SEC. 23. Auditor. - The Chair of the Commission on Audit shall be ex-officio
auditor of PhilRAI. For this purpose, he/she may appoint a representative who shall be
the resident auditor of PhilRAI, together with the necessary personnel to assist the said
representative in the performance of his/her duties.

SEC. 24, Legal Counsel. — The Government Corporate Counsel shall be the legal
counsel of PhilRAI. It may establish its own legal department, subject to the supervision
and control of the Government Corporate Counsel, to handle the day-to-day legal matters
affecting its affairs.

SEC. 25. Annual Report. — The Board shall submit to the President of the
Philippines through the Secretary of Agriculture, an annual report On the activities and
operations of PhilRAI together with the audit report on relevant accounts.

SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from
the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, in coordination with PhilRAI,

formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.


SEC. 27. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in
full force and effect.

SEC. 28. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders. proclamations,
rules and regulations, and issuances, or part thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 29. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
publication on the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general

circulation,

Approved.