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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7391

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It shall be the policy of the State to accelerate agricultural development by
optimizing the use of resources such as soils and water with the end in view of
attainting food security for domestic use and expanding/diversifying agricultural
production for export.

In realizing such policy, Executive Order no. 116, s. 1987 further mandates
the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) to advise and render
assistance on matters relative to the utilization and management of the soils and
water as vital agricultural resources; formulate measures and guidelines for effective
soil, land, and water resource utilization, as well as soil conservation in croplands
and other agricultural areas; undertake soil research programs; coordinate with the
relevant government agencies in resettlement areas and prepare the necessary
plans for the provision of technical assistance in solving of soil impounding and
prevention of soil erosion, fertility preservation, and other related matters; engage in
rainmaking projects for agricultural areas, and watersheds to solve the problem of
prolonged droughts and minimize their effects on standing agricultural crops.

Being geographically challenged as a province, Dinagat Islands generally
banks on its agricultural sector. In 2019, BSWM conducted a soil mapping for soil
fertility and suitability wherein the result for Dinagat shows soil suitability on ten
various commodities such as coconut, fruit trees, banana, coffee, cacao, pineapple,
root crops, corn, vegetables, and rice. Albeit the result, as a newly recognized
province, it still needs intensive assistance relative to cost effective soil and water
management in order to utilize its inherent resources and enable maximum
productivity of its crops and plants. Considering the massive effect of continuous
mining in the province, it is imperative to have a frequent interpretation on soil and
water quality indicators of heavy metal pollution and contamination. However,
presently, all soil testing for the Province of Dinagat Islands is conducted not in its
‘own grounds but in the Province of Davao which veers away from achieving
Dinagat's goals for its agricultural sector.



Itis also disconcerting that there is an insufficient water supply in Dinagat due
to the lack of adequate water systems. This in turn hampers agricultural productivity
in the province. Hence, in view of the foregoing, it is undeniable that the
establishment of a Provincial Bureau of Soils and Water Management in the
Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands shall be prioritized in keeping
with the needs of the Dinagatnons especially in these times of pandemic and for a
long-term sustainable agriculture and land use stability.

In the best interest of our citizens, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

ALAWTESECLEO
Representative, ohe/ District of Dinagat Islands


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No. 7391

Introduced by Hon. ALAN 1 B. ECLEO

AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROVINCIAL BUREAU OF SOILS AND WATER
MANAGEMENT IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASILISA, PROVINCE OF DINAGAT
ISLANDS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Establishment of Provincial Bureau of Soils and Water
Management in the Dinagat Islands. - There shall be established and maintained,
under the direct supervision of the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM),
a Provincial BSWM in the Municipality of Basilisa, Province of Dinagat Islands, to be
known as the BSWM Dinagat Islands Provincial Office which shall ensure effective
soil, land, and water resources utilization by undertaking projects and research on
soil conservation, irrigation, rainmaking, and other related activities.

SEC. 2. Appropriations. - The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the
department's program the operationalization of the BSWM Dinagat Islands Provincial
Office, the initial funding of which shall be charged against the current year's
appropriations of the Department of Agriculture, and thereafter, the succeeding
funding shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within six (6) months
following the effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 4. Separability Clause. Should any part or provision of this Act be held
unconstitutional or invalid, the provisions which are not affected thereby shall
continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. Any other law, issuance or part thereof
inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,