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Republic of the Philippines { a\
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES | ° owe 2 JUL 2013
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Quezon City, Metro Manila |

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Sixteenth Congress XY

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 899

Introduced by Honorable Erlinda M. Santiago

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to establish an assistance program designed to enhance
the capability and productivity of individuals engaged in livelihood activities
to be known as the Livelihood Enhancement Assistance Program (LEAP)
under the supervision of the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center
(TLRC),

Despite several attempts being made by the government to alleviate
poverty, a large number of Filipinos are still living below the poverty line.
The proposed measure aims to improve the living condition of our poor
countrymen. The program would benefit not only the unemployed, the low
salaried worker but also individuals already engaged in livelihood activities.

As envisioned in this bill, LEAP will provide modest financial
ance for the establishment of small livelihood enterprises such as sai
sari or dry goods stores, canteens, rural transportation such as jeepneys,
tricycles, pedicabs, and such other livelihood projects. LEAP shall be
administered by the provincial offices of the TLRC.

LEAP is different from other livelihood programs because of its
minimum requirements unlike agricultural loans being handled by rural
banks and other financial institutions which require the filling up of
voluminous documents. LEAP also offers loans at very minimal interest to
individuals or organizations to help them start or establish a business. For
this purpose, the TLRC may employ: the services of its technical people.
This program highly conforms to the goals of a people-oriented and truly
democratic government.

In view of the foregoing, support and approval of the bill is eamestly

sought.
ERLINDA M. ANT AGO

CEIVED @



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

Sixteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 899

Introduced by Honorable Erlinda M. Santiago

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LEAP) AND APPROPRIATING FUN!
THEREFOR.

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

Ss

TION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the
"Livelihood Enhancement Assistance Program Act of 2013."
S)

the State to promote and protect the well-being of the people, provide a

. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of

higher standard of living and better quality of life for all. Towards this end,

it is necessary to provide an assistance program designed to enhance the
capability and productivity of the people who are engaged in livelihood
activities.

SEC. 3. Livelihood Enhancement As:

nce Program. — In
pursuance to the above mentioned policy, Livelihood Enhancement

Assi

nce Program (LEAP) is hereby established which shall be under the
supervision of the Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC).

SEC. 4. Objectives. — LEAP shall have the following objectives:

a) Extend loans to indigent individuals or organizations for the
establishment of small scale livelihood and agricultural production;

b) Help in the establishment of small livelihood enterprises such

as sari-sari stores, rural transportation such as jeepneys, tricycles or


pedicabs, canteens, sale of household wares or ready-to-wear apparels or
such other livelihood projects which can be funded from small loans;

c) Assist low salaried workers who have viable plans for modest
livelihood projects to supplement their meager salaries;

d) Extend credit assistance to individuals or organizations already
engaged in income generating activities;

e) Provide technical assistance in much needed skills to sustain
existing economic activities;

f) Provide opportunities for organizations to develop their track
record in project handling; and

8) Promote unity among the people of the community by

encouraging them to work together in community-endeavored livelihood

>. 5. Loans. — The amount of loans granted under the LEAP shall
range from Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) for individuals and One
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000.00) for organizations which shall be
payable from two (2) to ten (10) years at the rate of five percent (5%)
interest per annum.

Any person may apply for a loan for one livelihood project at a time
and may be granted additional loan for expansion of the original project or
for a different kind of livelihood project: Provided, That the prior loan has

been fully settled.

. 6. Implementation. — LEAP shall be implemented in all
municipalities and cities through the provincial offices of the TLRC which
shall oversee and control all phases of activities for the LEAP.

SEC. 7. Government Assistance. — In the implementation of LEAP,
the TLRC may call on any department, office, agency or other
instrumentalities of the government for assistance as the need arises.

SEC. 8. Technical and Administrative Support Staff. — The TLRC
may organize technical and administrative support staff as it may deem
necessary to carry out the objectives of LEAP.

SEC. 9. Funding. — The LEAP shall be funded from the following:

a) One percent (1%) of the annual earnings of the Philippine

Charity Sweepstakes Office;


b) One percent (1%) of the annual earings of the Philippine

Amusement and Gaming Corporation; and

c) Grants and donations from individuals, organizations and
corporations: Provided, That the funds provided herein shall be deposited in
a revolving fund to be created for the purpose: Provided, further, That all
disbursements and other expenses from the revolving fund shall be subject to
auditing rules and regulations.

SEC. 10, Appropriations. — The initial amount necessary for the

implementation of this Act shall be charged to the appropriations of the

Technology and Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC) under the current

General Appropriations Act. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary

for the technical and administrative expenses of LEAP shall be included in

the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 1]. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, orders, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
amended accordingly.

SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation:

Approved,