TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
■•■'ffi:* ol !’i '
25 JUL 21 A10 ‘22
S. No.
SENATE
715
Rccr.ir
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
DECLARING MINDANAO AS THE FOOD BASKET OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Mindanao, the second largest island group in the Philippines, accounts for a 
significant portion of the country's agricultural output, including major crops like corn, 
rice, coconut, banana, pineapple, and various high-value crops, as well as a substantial 
share of the national fisheries production.
Despite its significant contribution to national security and the livelihoods of 
millions of Filipinos, Mindanao's agricultural potential remains largely untapped. 
Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, limited access to modern farming 
technologies, vulnerability to climate change, and peace and order issues have 
historically obstructed its full development.
This bill seeks to formally recognize Mindanao's vital role by declaring it as the 
"Food Basket of the Philippines." More importantly, it aims to establish a 
comprehensive and sustained framework for its agricultural development. This 
declaration will serve as a guiding policy to prioritize investments, enhance support


services, promote sustainable practices, and foster a conducive environment for 
agricultural growth, ultimately strengthening the country's food security, improving 
farmers' and fisherfolk's incomes, and contributing to lasting peace and prosperity in 
the region.
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
FRANCIS Nrn\NGILINAN
SenatcX


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TWENnETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
25 JUL 21 A10:22
SENATE
S. No. 715
RECC',
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN
AN ACT
DECLARING MINDANAO AS THE FOOD BASKET OF THE PHILIPPINES, 
PROVIDING FOR ITS SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND 
FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Tide. - This Act shall be known as the "Mindanao Food Basket Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
ensure national food security, alleviate poverty, and promote inclusive economic 
growth through the sustainable development of the agricultural and fisheries sectors. 
Towards this end, the State recognizes Mindanao's crucial role as the primary source 
of the nation's food supply and shall prioritize its development as the "Food Basket of 
the Philippines."
Sec. 3. Declaration of Mindanao as the Food Basket of the Philippines. - 
Mindanao, comprising of its various regions and provinces, is hereby officially declared 
the "Food Basket of the Philippines" in recognition of its significant contribution to the 
country's agricultural and fisheries production and its immense potential for further 
growth.
Sec. 4. Sustainable Agricultural Development Mandate. - To realize Mindanao's 
full potential as the Food Basket of the Philippines, the following shall be prioritized 
and implemented by relevant government agencies, including but not limited to the 
Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department 
of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and


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Technology (DOST), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Public
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Works and Highways (DPWH), and local government units (LGUs):
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(a) Infrastructure Development: Accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of
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vital agricultural infrastructure, including irrigation systems, farm-to-market
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roads, post-harvest facilities, cold storage, and modern port facilities;
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(b) Research and Development (R & D): Intensify R&D initiatives for climate-
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resilient crops, improved livestock and aquaculture practices, pest and
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disease management, and value-adding technologies;
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(c) Access to Credit and Markets: Facilitate farmers' and fisherfolk's access to
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affordable credit, crop insurance, and direct market linkages, reducing
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reliance on intermediaries.
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(d) Capacity Building and Extension Services: Provide comprehensive training
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programs, technical assistance, and extension services on modern farming
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techniques, sustainable agriculture, and entrepreneurship.
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(e) Sustainable Practices: Promote and incentivize environmentally sound and
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sustainable agricultural practices, including organic farming, agroforestry,
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and responsible resource management.
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(f) Investment Promotion: Attract and facilitate public and private investments
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in Mindanao's agricultural and agribusiness sectors, including processing and
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manufacturing.
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(g) Peace and Order: Sustain efforts to ensure peace and stability in Mindanao,
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creating a secure environment conducive to agricultural productivity and
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investment.
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Sec. 5. Mindanao Food Basket Development Council. - A Mindanao Food Basket
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Development Council (MFBDC) shall be created to be chaired by the Secretary of the
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Department of Agriculture, with representatives from relevant government agencies,
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local government units, and agricuitural stakeholders in Mindanao. The MFBDC shall
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be responsible for formulating, coordinating, and monitoring the implementation of
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strategic plans and programs to achieve the objectives of this Act.
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Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the provisions of
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this Act shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.


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Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (900 days from the
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effectivity of this Act, the Department of Agriculture, in coordination with other
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relevant government agencies and stakeholders, shall formulate the necessary rules
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and regulations for its effective implementation.
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Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
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unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
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provisions hereof.
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Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, order, rules and regulations, or
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parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or
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modified accordingly.
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Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from its
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publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,