Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

RECEIVED
i anil ‘Ss
Quezon City, Metro Manila IS onre eM 1005
s TIME _ 7
‘Twentieth Congress S ev Pat
First Regular Session Kn
4224
HOUSE BILLNO.

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
DECLARING OCTOBER 16 OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY
DAY, IN CONSONANCE WITH THE CELEBRATION OF WORLD FOOD DAY,
AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Food security remains one of the most urgent challenges facing the Philippines.
Millions of Filipinos still suffer from hunger and malnutrition, while farmers and fisherfolk—
who produce the nation’s food—often remain among the poorest sectors.

Every year on October 16, the international community observes World Food Day,
established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in 1979 to
commemorate its founding in 1945. World Food Day is marked in over 150 countries, calling
attention to the need for collective action to achieve food security, promote sustainable
agriculture, and eradicate hunger.

This bill seeks to declare October 16 of every year as National Food Security Day in
the Philippines, in consonance with World Food Day. The Department of Agriculture (DA) will
lead the commemoration, in partnership with the Department of Education, Commission on
Higher Education, Department of the Interior and Local Government, National Nutrition
Council, and other agencies. Activities may include nutrition awareness campaigns, dialogues
on agricultural policy, food drives, and education initiatives on sustainable farming and
reducing food waste.

‘The measure will institutionalize an annual nationwide observance that reinforces the
country’s commitment to food security and recognizes the central role of farmers, fisherfolk,
and all food system stakeholders. It will not declare a special non-working holiday, but instead
a special working day of commemoration, ensuring participation without disrupting
productivity.


By passing this bill, Congress will align the Philippines more closely with the global
call to end hunger, affirm the right of all Filipinos to adequate food, and ensure that food
security remains a national priority.

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



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

Twentieth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 4224

Introduced by Representative RAYMOND ADRIAN SALCEDA

AN ACT
DECLARING OCTOBER 16 OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY
DAY, IN CONSONANCE WITH THE CELEBRATION OF WORLD FOOD DAY,
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 “National Food Security Day
Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the State to ensure food security,
promote sustainable agriculture, and eradicate hunger, consistent with the Constitution and
international commitments. Towards this end, the Philippines shall join the international
community in observing October 16 of every year as World Food Day by institutionalizing it
as National Food Security Day.

SEC. 3. National Food Security Day. October 16 of every year is hereby declared as
National Food Security Day, a special working day of commemoration, to be observed
throughout the country in consonance with World Food Day.

SEC. 4. Lead Agency. The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall lead the annual
observance of National Food Security Day, in coordination with the Department of Education
(DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of the Interior and Local
Government (DILG), National Nutrition Council (NNC), and other relevant agencies.

The DA shall design activities, programs, and information campaigns that highlight:

(a) Food security and self-sufficiency;

(b) Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices;

(c) Reduction of food waste;


(d) Nutrition awareness; and
(e) The role of farmers, fisherfolk, and other food system stakeholders.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the DA, in coordination with concemed agencies, shall issue the

implementing rules and regulations for the observance of National Food Security Day.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional or
invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules, and regulations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,