Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No.______________ 
Introduced by Hon. Faustino Michael T. Dy III 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
This bill aims to merely confirm the place of farmers in our lives. Farmers toil 
to bring food to our table. Most of the time their efforts are hardly rewarded – when 
nature is unkind, or man-made reasons thwart what might otherwise have been 
even slightly profitable harvests. 
Since time immemorial, farmers have invested sweat, tears and blood to 
harness land before break of dawn, and jealously watched their crops grow, with 
fervent prayers for bountiful harvest. Despite setbacks year in and out, they have 
persevered so that we would not unnecessarily suffer for lack.  
The recognition of farmers – living or dead – as our national heroes, is long 
overdue. Hence, government departments – especially the Departments of 
Education,  Agriculture, Agrarian Reform – are enjoined to lead the celebration, and 
remind our people, of our farmers’ rightful place of honor. Not just for a day – which 
can slip by and be fleeting – but for a month. This bill seeks the declaration of 
November as “Buwan ng Magsasaka” or “National Farmer’s Month.” 
From a young age, our children should be taught about the heroism of our 
farmers – hence the involvement of Department of Education – and the belief 
inculcated in their young minds. Much like the Filipino language is celebrated for a 
week with school programmes in the Basic Education department with sabayang 
pagbigkas, pakikipagtalastasan, quizzes, etc., similar activities are encouraged to 
be held for a month exalting our farmers. CHED, DA, DAR, DOST, their related 
agencies and offices, DILG and all local government units are likewise so enjoined, 
and may also hold activities feting them for exemplary practices, amongst others. 
Farmers’ Days had been declared by previous administrations including 
Presidents Jose P. Laurel and Ferdinand Marcos, but it is to be noted that these 
have regretfully been put to disuse; there are likewise fragmented efforts, such as 
some localities conducting their own celebrations. It is time that a nationwide, 
collective, united effort to honor our hitherto humble farmers is made. It is hoped 
that by doing so, more will be encouraged to enter farming as a profession and noble 
vocation. 
July 1, 2022
8:00 am
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This bill was first filed by this representation in the 18th Congress. It was 
approved by the committee and consolidated with similar bills, and subsequently 
passed by the House on third reading. The current version is that which had earned 
the nods of my fellow lawmakers. In view of this representation’s burning desire to 
correct the neglect of this sector and restore their dignity, immediate approval of this 
measure is earnestly sought. 
FAUSTINO MICHAEL T. DY III 
5th District, Isabela 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No.____________ 
INTRODUCED BY REP. FAUSTINO MICHAEL  T. DY III 
AN ACT 
 DECLARING NOVEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL FARMERS AND FISHERFOLK 
MONTH, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is the declared policy of the State to accord 
the highest priority to the development of agriculture and fishery and give farmers and 
fisherfolk more opportunities to maximize their incomes and increase their contribution to 
the nations’ wealth. Towards this end, the State shall promote and increase awareness on 
the significant contribution of farmers and fisherfolk in nation building and their specific 
role in putting food on our tables. 
SEC. 2. Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda. November of every year is 
hereby declared as “Buwan ng Magsasaka at Mangingisda.” All schools and relevant 
government offices shall ensure suitable celebration for the month-long event. 
SEC. 3. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from 
the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Education, in collaboration with the 
Departments of Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Science and Technology, Interior and Local 
Government, and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and their attached offices 
shall formulate the necessary rules and regulations for the proper implementation of this 
Act. 
SEC. 4. Appropriations. The amount necessary to initially implement the 
provisions of this Act shall be charged against the appropriations of the concerned 
departments and agencies for the current year. Thereafter, such sums as may be 
necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the appropriations of the 
concerned departments and agencies in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). 
SEC. 5.  Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared invalid or 
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in full 
force and effect. 
SEC. 6. Repealing Clause. All laws, executive orders, administrative orders, and 
rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
SEC. 7. Effectivity Clause. This Act shall take effect fifteen days (15) after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.  
Approved, 
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