Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3175 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES MECHANIZATION 
BY INTEGRATING THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10601, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES  
Explanatory Note 
The agricultural and fisheries sectors remain vital pillars of the Philippine economy, 
providing livelihood and food security to millions of Filipinos. However, these sectors continue 
to grapple with low productivity and limited competitiveness, largely due to outdated production 
practices and insufficient mechanization. 
Republic Act No. 10601, or the “Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) 
Law,” was enacted to promote the development and adoption of modern mechanization systems 
in agriculture and fisheries. While the law established a robust institutional and policy 
framework, its full potential has yet to be realized, partly due to underutilization of the country’s 
scientific and technological resources. 
This bill seeks to strengthen the implementation of R.A. No. 10601 by integrating the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) into the core structures and programs 
established under the law. Specifically, it proposes the following key amendments: 
August 6, 2025
11:01 am


1. Inclusion of the DOST in the formulation and implementation of the National
Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Program (NAFMP), to enhance scientific and
technological support for mechanization efforts;
2. Representation of the DOST in the National Agricultural and Fisheries
Mechanization Committee (NAFMEC), ensuring that research and innovation are
embedded in policy decisions;
3. Joint leadership of the DOST in research, development, and extension (RDE)
programs under the AFMech Law, with focus on emerging technologies such as
automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI);
4. Creation of Agri-Mechanization Innovation Hubs in key agricultural regions to serve
as centers for collaborative innovation, training, and technology adoption; and
5. Implementation of nationwide capacity-building programs on AI and smart
farming, designed specifically for farmers, fisherfolk, and cooperatives.
The integration of DOST's scientific and technological expertise is essential to modernize
the agriculture and fisheries sectors in line with global trends and climate-resilient strategies. 
This bill also provides for an initial appropriation of ₱500 million to jumpstart the joint programs 
and ensure their sustainability through inclusion in the General Appropriations Act. 
In light of the urgent need to transform Philippine agriculture and fisheries into 
technology-driven, high-productivity sectors, the immediate passage of this measure is 
earnestly sought. 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. 3175 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT STRENGTHENING AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES MECHANIZATION 
BY INTEGRATING THE DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN THE 
IMPLEMENTATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10601, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 10601 is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
“SEC. 6. National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Program (NAFMP). — 
The Department shall, in consultation with concerned agencies and stakeholders, 
including the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), formulate and 
implement a National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Program (NAFMP). 
The DOST shall play a key role in the program by providing research and 
development (R&D) support, technology validation, and scientific expertise for the 
development and dissemination of appropriate mechanization technologies.” 
SECTION 2. Section 7 of the same Act is hereby amended to include the following 
provision: 


“SEC. 7. Creation of the National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization 
Committee (NAFMEC).— There is hereby created a National Agricultural and 
Fisheries Mechanization Committee (NAFMEC)... 
The Committee shall be composed of representatives from the Department of 
Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), state universities and 
colleges (SUCs), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Philippine Center for 
Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), and other relevant 
agencies. 
A representative from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shall be 
included as a regular voting member of the NAFMEC, to ensure the integration of 
scientific and technological perspectives in policymaking, program planning, and 
implementation.” 
SECTION 3. Section 8 of the same Act is hereby amended to read as follows: 
“SEC. 8. Research, Development, and Extension (RDE). — The Department shall 
pursue a unified and integrated RDE mechanism in coordination with the 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), PhilMech, SUCs, and other 
government and private institutions. The DOST shall jointly lead the development, 
pilot testing, and scaling of agricultural and fisheries mechanization R&D projects, 
including advanced and emerging technologies such as automation, robotics, and 
artificial intelligence (AI).” 
SECTION 4. A new section is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
“SEC. __. Establishment of Agri-Mechanization Innovation Hubs. — The 
Department of Agriculture (DA), in partnership with the Department of Science and 
Technology (DOST), shall establish Agri-Mechanization Innovation Hubs across 
major agricultural regions. These hubs shall serve as centers for collaborative 
research, product prototyping, training, and demonstration of locally developed 
mechanization and digital farming technologies. The hubs shall also engage 
academic institutions, startups, equipment manufacturers, and farmer groups to 
accelerate the adoption of context-appropriate technologies.” 
SECTION 5. A new section is hereby inserted to read as follows: 
“SEC. __. Capacity Building on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Smart Farming. — 
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST), in partnership with the DA 
and other stakeholders, shall develop and implement capacity-building programs for 
farmers and fisherfolk on the use of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, 


precision agriculture, and smart farming technologies to improve productivity, 
efficiency, and sustainability. These programs shall include training modules, 
technology toolkits, and digital literacy initiatives tailored to smallholders and 
cooperatives.” 
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Appropriations. – The DA and DOST shall 
jointly promulgate the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this 
Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity. 
The amount of Five Hundred Million Pesos (₱500,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated as 
initial funding for the joint R&D projects, innovation hubs, and capacity-building 
programs under this Act. Thereafter, such amounts as may be necessary shall be included 
in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 7. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional 
or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and 
effect. 
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. – All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, 
rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
 
 
 
 
 
 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List