Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No, 7493

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
MANDATING THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO
PURCHASE THE PRODUCE OF LOCAL FARMERS OR PRODUCERS FOR
RELIEF AND SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMS

Going to school on an empty stomach is very difficult for a children and affects their
productivity, concentration, critical thinking and creativity. Hunger for children in school
not only disrupts their physical and mental development but also makes them prone to
sicknesses and disabilities.

The bill proposes free nutritious food for children in public schools and day care centers,
sourced from local farmers. In doing so, we are able to give children nutritious meals to
support their development and at the same time support our local farmers.

Local farmers' agricultural products are essential to the Philippine economy as well as
the country's food security. In 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported
that 10.26 million Filipinos were employed in agriculture alone. The agriculture sector
would truly benefit if the produce from local farmers are utilized for the intended feeding
program.

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

Vd pra

LUIS RAYMUN RAY? F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7493

Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT
MANDATING THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO
PURCHASE THE PRODUCE OF LOCAL FARMERS OR PRODUCERS FOR
RELIEF AND SCHOOL FEEDING PROGRAMS

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

Section 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared as a policy of the State,
consistent with the constitutional provisions on social justice and the fundamental
principles on food security, to ensure local food production.

As such, priority must be accorded to the produce of local farmers and producers
in terms of governmental purchases intended for social amelioration policies such as
relief and school feeding programs.

Sec. 2. Mandatory Purchase. — The National Government, through its various
departments and agencies, and local government units shall prioritize the purchase of
local produce of local farmers and producers intended for relief and school feeding
programs. Prioritizing the purchase of local produce shall mean the exhaustion of all
available and applicable local produce at the most reasonable and practicable cost
before resorting to imported or foreign produce.

Moreover, in the case of local government units, produce of local farmers and
producers within their respective territorial jurisdictions shall take precedence over other
produce outside their respective territorial jurisdictions to lower transportation or other
hauling costs in the delivery of such produce.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as prohibiting the National Government or
a local government unit to purchase local produce in different political subdivisions,
provided that the requirement herein set forth is complied with in the case of a local
government unit.


Sec. 3. Exceptions. - Section 2 of this Act shall not be applicable in any of the
following cases where the local produce is:

a) —_No longer fit for human consumption;
b) Insufficient in quantity;
©) More costly and impracticable compared to imported or foreign

sources of produce; and
4) Inferior in quality.

Sec. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. For the effective
implementation of this Act, the Department of the Interior and Local Government
together with the Departments of Agriculture, Trade and Industry, Agrarian Reform and
Health shall within ninety (90) days from the effectivity of this Act promulgate the
implementing rules and regulations.

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. — Alll laws, decrees, and rules and regulations
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

Sec. 6. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is held invalid
or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid and
subsisting.

Sect. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation or in the Official Gazette.

Approved,