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Republic of the Philippines ix
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IP ote 03 JUL 2075

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a

Quezon City, Metro Manila
TWENTIETH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

House Bill No.__2 192

Introduced by Representative

BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA.

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE BINHI NG PAG-ASA PROGRAM,
PROMOTING YOUTH PARTICIPATION, INNOVATION, AND AGRIPRENEURSHIP
IN THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES SECTORS, PROVIDING FUNDS
THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The agricultural and fisheries sectors in the Philippines face a generational challenge that
threatens our nation’s food security and rural development. With the average age of Filipino
farmers now over fifty-seven (57) years old, and fewer young people entering agriculture and
fisheries, there is an urgent need to cultivate the next generation of agri-leaders.

In response to this challenge, the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program was initiated in 2017 by the
Office of Senator Grace Poe, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture through the
Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). The Program has provided thousands of young farmers and
fishers across the country with training in leadership, agripreneurship, and sustainable
agricultural and fisheries practices. It has received strong support from local government units,
educational institutions, and international development partners.

This bill seeks to institutionalize the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program as a permanent youth
development and capacity-building initiative under the Department of Agriculture. By
integrating it into the Department's core programs, establishing the National Youth Agricultural

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Innovation Council (NYAIC), and ensuring continuous funding, this measure will empower
Filipino youth to engage meaningfully in modern, sustainable agriculture and fisheries.

Through structured training, access to financial support, market linkages, and the
adoption of smart technologies, the Program will enable young Filipinos to become successful
agripreneurs, innovators, and community leaders. It will also strengthen local government
participation and inter-agency collaboration to support youth in rural areas and marginalized
communities.

The future of our agriculture and fisheries sectors depends on the active involvement of
our youth. Investing in them today will secure a resilient, modemized, and food-secure
Philippines tomorrow.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

HON. BRIAN DAMIEL POE LLAI IZARES, 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 Bi No. -_ 1192

Introduced by Representative

BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA

AN ACT INSTITUTIONALIZING THE BINHI NG PAG-ASA PROGRAM UNDER THE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PROVIDING FUNDS. THEREFOR, AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Binhi ng Pag-asa Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy.— It is the declared policy of the State to promote sustainable
and inclusive growth in the agriculture and fisheries sectors by engaging the youth in
agripreneurship, farming and fishing innovation, leadership development, and community
‘empowerment. The State shall invest in the next generation of Filipino farmers and fishers to
secure long-term food security, rural development, and agricultural modernization.

SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. For the purposes of this Act, the following terms are hereby
defined:

a. Agripreneurship — Entrepreneurial ventures related to agriculture and fisheries, including but
not limited to crop production, livestock raising, aquaculture, food processing, marketing, and
value-adding activities.

b. Youth Agripreneurs / Young Farmers and Fishers — Individuals aged fifteen (15) to thirty (30)
‘engaged in, or showing commitment to, sustainable agricultural or fisheries-based livelihoods.


¢. Youth-Led Agricultural or Fisheries Enterprise — An enterprise owned and operated by youth
that applies sustainable and modern practices.

4. Smart Agriculture and Fisheries Technologies — Tools, systems, and innovations, such as
precision farming, JoT applications, aquaculture sensors, drones, and data analytics that enhance
efficiency and sustainability.

€. Market Linkages — Connections facilitating youth agripreneurs’ access to buyers, suppliers,
distributors, and support networks to scale their operations.

SECTION 4. Institutionalization of the Binhi ng Pag-asa Program. The Binhi ng Pag-asa
Program, hereinafter referred to as the Program, is hereby institutionalized as a permanent youth
development and capacity-building initiative of the Department of Agriculture. The Program shall
serve asa flagship mechanism for engaging and capacitating young individuals in agriculture and
fisheries, and shall be implemented in all regions of the country.

SECTION S. Objectives. The Program shall pursue the following objectives:
(@) To provide comprehensive training and education on leadership, agripreneurship, sustainable
agriculture, and emerging agricultural technologies for_~—the ~—youth;
(b) To distribute appropriate starter kits, inputs, tools, or capital assistance to selected youth
beneficiaries to initiate their own agricultural or fisheries-based livelihood projects;
(€) To assist youth beneficiaries in formulating viable project proposals and link them to potential

funding opportunities or market access;
@ To promote the inclusion of agriculture and fisheries in youth development programs at the
national and local levels;

(©) To establish a strong network of young agri-leaders and agriprencurs for peer learning,
mentoring, and innovation-sharing.

SECTION 6. National Youth Agricultural Innovation Council (NYAIC) — A National Youth
Agricultural Innovation Council (NYAIC) shall be created under the DA to provide policy
direction and oversight for the Program. The Council shall be composed of representatives from:

Department of Agriculture (DA)
Department of Education (DepEd)

‘Commission on Higher Education (CHEd)

Agricultural Training Institute (ATI)

National Youth Commission (NYC)

State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs)
Technical Education and _— Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
Sangguniang Kabataan (SK)

‘* Other relevant government and youth organizations as may be determined under the IRR.


SECTION 7. National Secretariat. A Binhi ng Pag-asa National Secretariat shall be established
within the Department of Agriculture. The Secretariat shall perform program coordination,
maintain a national registry of beneficiaries and youth organizations, consolidate data and impact,
reports, and provide technical and administrative support for nationwide roll-out.

SECTION 8, Local Government Support. Local government units are encouraged to support
the implementation of the Program in their jurisdictions by identifying potential youth
beneficiaries, providing local counterpart funding or facilities, and integrating the Program into
local agricultural and youth development plans. Municipal and provincial agriculture offices shall
serve as focal units for coordination and beneficiary support.

SECTION 9. Program Components — The Program shall have the following core
components:

a. Capacity Building — Education and skills development in sustainable farming,
planning, and modern technologies,

ishing, business

b. Financial Assistance and Grants — Structured funding for startup, expansion, or modernization
of youth-led enterprises.

¢. Market Linkages and Expansion Support — Assistance in connecting with markets,
cooperatives, and business partners.

4. Technology Modernization — Promotion and integration of smart agricultural and fisheries
technologies.

Detailed procedures for each component shall be provided in the IRR.

SECTION 10. Qualified Beneficiaries — The Program shall prioritize Filipino youth aged
fifteen (15) to thirty (30) who:

a. Come from marginalized communities, rural areas, or low-income households;
b. Demonstrate commitment to agripreneurship and leadership in agriculture or fisheries; and
c. Show potential to contribute to sustainable sector development.

SECTION 11. Funding and Appropriations. The amount necessary for the initial
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current appropriations of the Department
of Agriculture. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continuous implementation of
the Program shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.


SECTION 12. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting. The Department of Agriculture shall
monitor the implementation of the Program and submit an annual report to Congress, containing
data on the number of beneficiaries, regional activities conducted, project outcomes, and policy
recommendations. An independent evaluation of the Program shall be conducted every three (3)
‘years to assess its effectiveness and recommend enhancements.

SECTION 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. Within ninety (90) days from the
effectiveness of this Act, the Department of Agriculture, in consultation with concerned agencies
and stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions
of this Act.

SECTION 14. Separability Clause. If any provision or part of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining provisions not affected shall remain in full force and
effect.

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

Approved,