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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

ane
HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REP. NANCY A. CATAMCO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Over the past few decades, we have been immensely overwhelmed with statistics of malnutrition all
‘over the world so much so that a great majority of us has come to accept it as an unfortunate and
irreversible situation. However, things have already changed in recent years and technological advances
we have been continuously experiencing have created encouraging new opportunities to improve
economies and reduce hunger.

In line with the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals to reduce the proportion of people,
‘most particularly children, who suffer from hunger by the year 2015, as well as provide food security for
the country, this law shall provide ample opportunities for schoolchildren to widen their knowledge and
to be equipped with the expertise on planting and harvesting of vegetables and other high value crops
through the bio-intensive method of gardening. Research shows that a good amount of increase in
vegetable intake among children has been attributed to gardening projects, cooking classes, and other
creative activities.

It therefore is a primary concern of the State to increase the efficiency of governance to promote
optimum nutrition and improve the nutritional status of Filipino school-age children. Their proper
nourishment should be a primordial concern of the State so as to enhance academic performance.
Owing also to the fact that arable land has reached its maximum, the State plays a crucial role in
developing and improving agriculture practices through the practice of bio-intensive gardening, in
sustainably managing the forest and natural resources, and in guaranteeing good nutrition for our
future generation.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested.

Representative
2nd District, North Cotabato


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

aan

HOUSE BILL NO.

INTRODUCED BY REP. NANCY A. CATAMCO.

AN ACT ESTABLISHING
ABIO-INTENSIVE VEGETABLE GARDEN IN EVERY
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL IN THE COUNTRY
ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION1. There shall be established a Bio-Intensive Vegetable Garden in every
elementary school and high school in the country.

SEC, 2, Declaration of Policy. - \t is hereby declared the policy of the State to reaffirm the
fundamental right of every person to health and to instill health consciousness among them. The
State shall also protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Towards this end, the State shall commit itself to
eradicate extreme hunger, provide food security for the country, and facilitate key reforms for the
advancement of and support to vegetable production and education.

SEC. 3. Construction and Maintenance - The Department of Education (DepEd) is hereby
mandated to be the lead agency in the implementation of this Act, to formulate a guideline of
requirements and to structure a timetable to ensure that each and every elementary school and
high school will utilize and have a its own vegetable garden.

In line with this, the DepEd shall closely coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA)
for the construction, funding requirements, and any other pertinent matter needed in the proper
implementation of this Act. Idle government lands owned by either the national or local
government or available land resources shall be considered for growing vegetables and crops.


SECA, Inclusion of Bio-Intensive Gardening Methods in Academic Curriculum. ~ Bio-
intensive gardening practices shall be integrated in the academic curriculum for primary and
secondary level students of both public and private academic institutions. The Department of
‘Agriculture (DA) is hereby mandated to closely coordinate with the Department of Education
(DepEd) to promote and support research activities to expand the knowledge and understanding of
such organic agricultural system as an instrument to further improve the production of vegetable
and other high value crops.

SEC. 5 Crop Harvesting and Feeding Program ~ In line with existing food programs being
implemented by other government agencies, students utilizing such garden shall be provided a
regular allotment of nutritious diet from vegetables and other crops harvested.

SEC6. Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). - The Department of Education (DepEd),
in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Health (DOH) shall
promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of this Act within six (6)
months from the date of effectivity hereof.

SEC. 7. Appropriation. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of this Act shall
be included and incorporated in the annual general appropriations of the Department of Education
(DepEd), Department of Agriculture (DA), and Department of Health (DOH) during the year
following its enactment. Thereafter, such sums are as necessary for its continued implementation
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Repealing Clause — All laws, decrees, executive issuances, rules and regulations
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9. Separability Clause - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain
valid and subsisting.

SEC. 10, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect immediately after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,