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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7664

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO,
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos

EXPLANATORY NOTE

In line with the policy of the State to improve the socio-economic well-being of
the workers in the agricultural sector, this Bill aims to provide necessary assistance to
them to further improve their work. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority,
among the basic sectors of Philippine society, farmers posted one of the highest poverty
indices with 34.3%. It also consistently registered as one with the highest poverty
incidence in 2006, 2009, and 2012. As such, this Bill aims to address several problems
that these workers face.

It must be acknowledged that access to internet has become a necessity during
this day and age, with the vast amount of information that can be uploaded and spread
using different social media platforms. Using the internet, our farmers can keep up to
date with weather bulletins, information as regards different agricultural technology and
planting methods, and the like. Through social media, they can also be able to take
advantage of these platforms to directly sell their produce at much competitive prices,
eliminating the need for middle men.

In light of the foregoing, the Bill proposes measures which are oriented primarily
towards the enhacement of assistance to those in the agricultural development sectors.

It is for the foregoing premises that the approval of this Bill is earnestly sought.

FE

ALFRED C. DELOS SANTOS
Representative, Ang Probinsyano Party-List


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

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

7664

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO:
Party-List Representative Alfred Delos Santos

AN ACT
PROVIDING INTERNET ACCESS FOR THE AGRI-BUSINESS SECTOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Internet Access for
Farmers Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared as a policy of the State to
provide support to agriculture through appropriate technology and research, and
adequate financial, production, marketing, and other support services.

Considering that the State recognizes the importance of the development of the
agricultural sector in the overall goal of sustainable national economic growth, the State
shall hereby endeavor to promote and improve comprehensively the opportunities given
to workers in the agricultural sectors.

SECTION 3. Roles and Responsibilities. — All concerned national agencies shall
support the implementation of this Act and promote best practices that fall within their
respective mandates. The following shall identify, prepare, and provide policy guidance
and technical resource assistance to the Department of Agriculture and the Local
Government Units in the implementation of this Act on a national and local scale:

a) _ The Department of Information and Communications Technology shall
provide technical assistance in planning, developing, and formulating the framework of
internet assistance to be extended to the farmers.

b) The Department of Interior and Local Government shall take the lead in
partnering with Local Government Units in raising awareness and promulgating policy
measures in the implementation on the local level.

c) The Department of Public Works and Highways shall assist with the
construction of infrastructure that is necessary to provide internet access to farmers


The Department of Information and Communications Technology shall regularly
provide technical and financial assistance in monitoring the status of farmers’ internet
access and shall provide measures for the improvement of such.

SECTION 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The DA, in cooperation with
the DICT, DILG, DPWH, and the private sector stakeholders on agricultural
development, shall formulate and prepare the necessary implementing rules and
regulations for the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 5. Monitoring and Implementation. - The DA shall form an Oversight
Committee to monitor the implementation of the provisions of this Act. The Oversight
Committee shall be composed of representatives from the DICT, DILG, DPWH, and the
private sector stakeholders on agricultural development: Provided, That the Oversight
Committee shall submit bi-annual reports regarding the status of the implementation
of the provisions of this Act to the Committee on Agriculture and Food of the House of
Representatives and the Senate.

SECTION 6. Funding. ~The funding essential in carrying out the provisions of this
Act shall be included in the proper General Appropriations Act: Provided, That the first,
inclusion shall be in the General Appropriations Act during the year following its
enactment into law.

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or parts unaffected shall remain
in full force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees
or issuances, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules, and regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended,
‘or modified accordingly.

SECTION 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,