Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Philippines

‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HoUusE BILL No._2946

Introduced by Representative Kathryn Joyce F. Gorriceta, M.D.

EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the Second District of Iloilo, which remains deeply rooted in agricultural tradition, the aging farming
population poses a threat to long-term food security and rural development. Despite the district’s rich
agricultural heritage, fewer and fewer young people are entering the sector. The reasons are undeniable:
Jack of capital, limited access to land, outdated farming models, and no clear pathway from education to

enterprise.

If this trend continues, food insecurity, rural stagnation, and generational disconnection from the land are

not distant possibilities—they are imminent threats. It is not enough to call agriculture important; we must

act decisively to make it accessible, modem, and dignified for the next generation.

This measure affirms that youth must be central to the future of sustainable agriculture and rural progress.
With the right tools and support, they can become the next generation of agri-entrepreneurs, food

innovators, and community leaders.

One key asset in this effort is the Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U) Leon Campus—a
respected institution in the Second District that plays a vital role in advancing agricultural education.
ISAT-U Leon can serve as # pivotal partner in the implementation of training programs, research support,

and enterprise incubation, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical application in the


field. Its presence strengthens the district’s capacity to equip young Honggos with modem, science-based,

and entrepreneurial skills in agriculture,

This is not just a development initiative; it is a lifeline for the future of our communities. The youth must

no longer be seen as passive observers of agricultural decline, but as active drivers of its revival.

The time to act is now. The longer we delay investing in our youth and our fields, the deeper the
‘consequences for food production, economic resilience, and rural identity, Through this measure, we offer
young Honggos not just tools but @ reason to believe that farming is not a dead end, but a doorway to

leadership, innovation, and prosperity.

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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
(Quezon City, Philippines
‘Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO., _ 2946 |

Introduced by Representative Kathryn Joyce F. Gorriceta, M.D.

AN ACT PROMOTING YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN AGRICULTURE THROUGH AGRI-
ENTREPRENEURSHIP SUPPORT, FARM INCUBATION, TRAINING, AND ACCESS TO
LAND AND RESOURCES IN THE SECOND DISTRICT OF ILOILO, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. This Act shall be known as the “Youth in Agriculture Empowerment Act of
the Second District of Iloilo.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote inclusive and
sustainable rural development by empowering young people to engage in agriculture and agri-
entreprencurship. The government shall ensure access to resources, training, mentorship, and land for the
youth to thrive in the agricultural sector.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. As used in this Act:

A. Youth - individuals aged 15 to 30 years old as defined by R.A. 8044 (Youth in Nation-Building
Act).

B. Agri-Entrepreneurship - the practice of launching and managing agricultural ventures or
businesses.

C, Farm Incubation Program - a structured support system that helps aspiring young farmers or
agri-entrepreneurs start and grow their farming ventures through training, mentorship, land use,
and financing.

D. Youth Farmers Hub — a shared facility established at the municipal level that serves as a center
for training, co-farming, equipment access, mentoring, and agri-enterprise support for youth.

SECTION 4. Creation of the Youth Farmers Empowerment Program (YFEP). There is hereby
created a Youth Farmers Empowerment Program (YFEP) under the Department of Agriculture (DA)
in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Technical Education and Skills


Development Authority (TESDA), and the National Youth Commission (NYC), and implemented locally
by municipal LGUs in the Second District of Iloilo.

SECTION 5. Components of the Program.
a. Agri-Startup Grants

© Eligible youth applicants may apply for grants ranging from P10,000 to 25,000 to fund agri-
based enterprises.

© Grants shall be used for production inputs, farm tools, seedlings, livestock, or market operations,
© The grant program shall be managed and monitored by the Municipal Agriculture Office in
partnership with the Local Youth Development Office.
b, Farm Incubation Programs

© Municipalities shall designate government-owned or partner farms as incubation areas for
youth-Led agri projects.

‘© Participants will be given up to 1 year of free land use, farm equipment access, and regular
mentorship.

© Cooperatives, academic institutions, and local agripreneurs shall serve as mentors and partners.

c. Youth Farmers Hubs

© Each municipality shall establish at least one Youth Farmers Hub, which shall serve as:

© Training and learning center
© Seedling and tool bank
© Agri-cooperative registration assistance

© Marketing and digital promotion support center

4. Agro-Tourism and Farm Business Training

‘© The program shail conduct quarterly training sessions on agro-tourism development, value chain
processing, digital marketing, climate-smart agriculture, and business registration,


© Local Agri-tourism, Agriculture Professionals, and Hoilo Science and Technology University -
Leon Campus shall be tapped as training partners.

¢. Land Lease Access Program

‘© LGUs shall identify idle public lands, demo farms, or private landowner partnerships for lease-to-
youth arrangements.

‘© Youth cooperatives or individuals can apply for’3 to S-year land leases at subsidized rates with
option for renewal.

SECTION 6. Funding. The amount necessary for the initial implementation of this Act shall be sourced
from the available funds of the Department of Agriculture and the concerned LGUs, with possible
‘augmentation from the DTI’s Negosyo Centers and TESDA community programs. Annual funding shail
thereafter be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

‘SECTION 7. Monitoring and Evaluation. An inter-agency Youth in Agriculture Oversight
Committee shall be established, composed of the following:

‘© Representative from the Department of Agriculture (Chair)
© National Youth Commission

‘© Department of Trade and Industry

© TESDA

© League of Municipalities (Second District - lloilo Chapter)
‘© One youth representative from each municipality

‘The committee shall submit an annual report to the Congress on the status, impact, and improvements of
the program.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. If any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining
provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, rules, or regulations inconsistent with this,
‘Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in two newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,