FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
HOUSE BILLNo. 1774

Introduced by the HONORABLE AGAPITO H. GUANLAO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The current issue faced by the country with regards to its ability to sustain and ensure food
security present and future consumers has been an eye opener on the situation of the
nation’s farmers as well as the agriculture sector itself which has been neglected for a very
long time. It is said that Philippine rice production of 15.33 MMT cannot meet the required
consumption of our growing nation at 18.77 MMT, an annual deficit of 3.44 MMT (2006 BAS
Data). The steadily increasing 3tion of the country will consequently result in national rice
consumption to reach 16 MMT of rice or 24.61 MMT of palay by 2025 (BAS Data),

In view of this, there is now an urgent need to increase and achieve self-sufficiency in rice
production, which in turn will reduce or end the governments rice importation. Although
this can be achieved by increasing the irrigated application of good seeds and adequate
fertilization, agricultural mechanization cannot be ignored.

‘Through the use of adequate, appropriate and efficient agricultural mechanization practices,
rice production will be greatly increased as: 1) the existing two cropping seasons per year in
irrigated farms shall be made to three; and 2) better plant growth and yield per unit area
shall be attained due to precise planting density, good tillage operation and efficient
fertilizer application. Likewise, the 15% crop production losses shall be reduced or
eliminated.

This holds true to all other types of crops, livestock and fisheries. Aside from this, it can help
accelerate employment and livelihood generation, increase product value adding and
diversify farm products. Significantly, the 2.0 million hectares of coconut lands whi
remained idle and monocropped for so long will become productive through
mechanization.

It is sad to note that the present level of agricultural and fisheries mechanization ‘in the
Philippines, the available human, animal and mechanical power is still very low at about
1.68 hp/ha. Although this increased significantly from 0.36 hp/ha in the 1980s to 1.68 hp/ha
in 1994, the Philippines had acquired the much needed agricultural machineries from 1991
up to 2000. The country is second to the last placer (Myanmar) for agricultural tractors, and
last on harvesters/threshers with her rice producing countries in Asia, (Please see table below)



‘Countries ‘Agricultural Tractors (No) _ | Harvesters/Threshers (No.)
Japan 2,028,000 7,042,000
India 1,525 000 4,000
China (975,000 263,000
Thailand 220,000 70,000
South Korea, 192,000 87,000
Vietnam 163,000 163,000
Indonesia 70,000 330,000
Taiwi _ 14,000 _ 10,000
Philippines 12,000 1,000

| Myanmar 17,000 12,000

Source: (Phil SCAT Study and PCARRD report, 2003).

‘This mechanization level is far below compared with other Asian countries like the Republic
of Korea with about 4.11 hp/ha and the People's Republic of China with 3.88 hp/ha, Only
about 2% of the agricultural areas are mechanized, and there are about 102 tractors and 6
harvesters/ threshers per 1,000 hectares (Ang Krisis sa Pagkain, Ibon Facts and Figures, April-
May 2008).

Other problems include the inadequacy of after sales service, supply of substandard
agricultural and fishery machinery particularly in the government procurement program
and the sporadic, fragmented and disorganized implementation of agricultural and fishery
mechanization. Towards this end, there must be in place a system of accreditation and
classification of agricultural and fishery machinery suppliers and manufacturers, state of the
art testing and evaluation, continued standards development and enforcement and
responsive and adequate support services.

, To ensure rational planning, distribution and investment of agricultural and fishery
machinery, there is a need for an updated and reliable database and information system. The
development and implementation of a nationwide registration system on agricultural and
fishery machinery is a possible solution to this concern,

Parallel to the above requisites, it is important to guarantee that the various mechanization
development activities of the key players in the agriculture sector are put into a
comprehensive and integrated national effort to effectively address urgent as well as
emerging agriculture and food needs.

In view of the foregoing, a law must be passed to consolidate, integrate and strengthen all
existing policies and programs in so far as agricultural and fishery mechanization,

Hence, passage of this legislative measure is earnestly sought.
HON.

PITO H7@UANLAO


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
FIRST REGULAR SESSION )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
HOUSE BILL No.__1774_

Introduced by the HONORABLE AGAPITO H. GUANLAO

AN ACT PROMOTING THE AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES
MECHANIZATION DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRY

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

Section 1. Title- This Act shall be known as the Agricultural and Fisheries
Mechanization (AFMech) Law of 2010.

ARTICLE I
DECLARATION OF POLICY, DEFINITION OF TERMS AND COVERAGE

Section 2. Declaration of Policy - It shall be the policy of the State to:

1. promote the development and adoption of modern, appropriate and cost-
effective and environmentally safe agricultural and fisheries machinery and
equipment to enhance farm productivity and efficiency in order to achieve
food security and safety;

provide a conducive environment to the local manufacturing of engines,
machinery and equipment for agricultural and fisheries production,
processing and marketing;

3. strengthen the regulatory activities through the development and
enforcement of machinery and machine performance standards, regular
testing and evaluation, registration and the accreditation and classification of
suppliers and manufacturers to ensure compliance to prescribed quality
standards of locally manufactured and imported agricultural and fisheries
machinery and equipment;


4, strengthen support services like credit facilities, research, training and
extension programs, rural infrastructures and marketing services;

5. unify, rationalize and strengthen the implementation, coordination activities
and mechanisms on agricultural and fishery mechanization programs and
projects ; and

6. deliver integrated support services to farmers, fishermen and other
stakeholders, and assist them to be able to viably operate and manage their
agricultural and fisheries machinery projects.

Section 3. Definition of Terms:

1. Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Equipment - refers to machinery and
equipment for, the production, harvesting, processing, storage, manufacture,
preserving, transporting and distribution of agricultural and fishery products.
It includes but is not limited to tractor and their attachments, power tillers,
seeders, transplanters, windmill, slaughtering equipment, harvesting
machines, crop protection- and maintenance equipment, irrigation equipment
and accessories, greenhouses and other thermal conditioning equipment,
livestock equipment, fishery equipment, slaughtering equipment,
meat/fishery and crop processing equipment, post harvest machines such as
milling machines, dryer, threshers, strippers, agricultural transport machinery
and storage facilities including cold storage, reefer vans, slaughter houses
and, fishing vessels.

v

Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization - is the development, adoption,
manufacture and application of appropriate, location-specific and cost-
effective agricultural and fishery technology using human, animal,
mechanical, electrical and other non-conventional sources of energy for
agricultural production and post harvest/ post production operations
consistent with agronomic conditions and for efficient and economic farm and
fishery management towards modernization of agriculture and fisheries.

3. Agro-Industrial Processing - shalll include local activity or series of activities to
maintain or raise the quality or change the form or characteristics of
agricultural, fishery and forestry products. It also includes cleaning, sorting,
grading, mixing, milling, canning, dressing, slaughtering, freezing,
pasteurizing, conditioning, packaging, repacking and transporting.

4. Fishing Vessel — any boat, ship or other watercraft equipped to be used for
taking of fishery species or aiding or assisting one (1) or more vessels in the
performance of any activity relating to fishing, including but not limited to,
preservation, supply, storage, refrigeration, transportation and/or processing,
(RA 8550)


13.

Department — refers to the Department of Agriculture;
Secretary ~ refers to the Secretary of Agriculture

BOAE - Board of Agricultural Engineering of the Professional Regulation
Commission

DOLE - Department of Labor and Employment

DOST - Department of Science and Technology

DTI- Department of Trade and Industry

. TESDA ~ Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

CHED - Commission on Higher Education

AMTEC - Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center, University
of the Philippines, Los Banos

Section 4. Scope and Application - The provisions of this Act shall apply to the

research, development and extension, promotion, distribution, supply and
manufacturing, regulation, use, operation and maintenance of agricultural and
fisheries machinery and equipment.

ARTICLE IT

RESEARCH, EXTENSION AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Section 5. Unified National R & D and Extension Agenda

A unified National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization R & D and
Extension (RDE) Agenda shall be formulated and implemented by the
Department and shall integrate all agricultural and fisheries mechanization R
& Dand extension programs and projects of all concerned national
government agencies, Iccal government units, state colleges and universities,
shall be geared towards job generation, address market and industry
demands and help accelerate agricultural and fisheries modernization in the
countryside.

The National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization RDE Agenda shall
include but shall not be limited to the following:


a) development, pilot testing and commercialization of appropriate, location
specific and cost-effective agricultural and fisheries machinery and
equipment in support to land consolidation and machinery pooling;

b) Local manufacture of agricultural engines and equipment;

©) Development and
fuels;

lization of renewable energy resources such as bio-

d) Development of efficient production and postproduction mechanization
systems;

¢) Development of technical standards and testing procedures for quality
agricultural machinery and components;

f) Training of farmers, fishermen, manufacturers, extension workers,
agricultural engineers, technicians and operators engaged in the
agricultural and fisheries machinery;

g) Promotion of technologies through agricultural and industrial extension
activities and techno-demo centers;

h) Development of prototype and fabrication of agricultural machinery and
equipment; and

i) Development and conduct of commercialization strategies involving all
sectors representing the demand and supply sides of agricultural and
fisheries mechanization technologies.

Section 6. Agri-Fisheries Mechanization RDE Network ~ An Agricultural and
Fisheries Mechanization Research, Development and Extension (RDE) network is
hereby organized, composed of research and education institutions, Local
Government Units, non-government agencies and the recognized associations of

“agricultural and fishery machinery manufacturers and distributors, agricultural
engineers and farmers and fishermen organizations.

Section 7. Agri-Fisheries Machinery and Equipment Seroice Centers - The
Department of Agriculture and the Local Government Units in partnership with the
private sector shall establish Agricultural and Fishery Machinery Service Center in
the Strategic Agricultural and Fishery Development Zones (SAFDZs), at least one in
each municipality and/or barangay if applicable and feasible so as to accelerate
agricultural and fishery modernization in the countryside; Provided that these shall
form part of the major basic services of the Local Government Units in the



barangays, municipal/city and provincial levels, in addition to the basic services
mandated under the Local Government Code.

Section 8. Agricultural anul Fisheries Machinery Information Network — The
Agricultural Machinery Information Network (AgMachIN) of the Department and
the DOST shall be strengthened to serve as a network of information system and
data bank on agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment, and a facility for

. the on-line registration of agricultural ‘and fishery machinery.

Section 9. Skills Certification of Agricultural Machinery Teclinicians and Operators
~ TESDA in collaboration with the Department, BOAE, NAMDAC and the national
associations of agricultural engineers and agricultural machinery manufacturers and
distributors shall undertake certification and accreditation systems for agricultural
and fishery machinery operators and technicians.

Section 10. Research Grants ~ To enhance research and technological
development on agricultural and fishery mechanization, the government through
the Department, DOST and CHED shall provide research grants to strategic research
institutions including concerned State Colleges and universities to undertake needs
oriented research as well as institutional development and upgrading of laboratory
facilities and equipment.

Section 11. Training and Scholarship Program — The Department in partnership
with State Colleges and Universities and the private sector shall train the agricultural
extension workers of the Local Government Units who in turn shall train the farmers
and fishermen on agricultural and fishery mechanization technologies and practices
‘The DOLE and TESDA shall be responsible in the training of agricultural and fishery
machinery technicians and operators. Scholarships for graduate and undergraduate
degree on agricultural engineering and trade/vocational course on agricultural and
fishery mechanization shall be given priority by the Department, CHED and DOST.

Section 12. Manpower Complement ~ All agricultural and fishery machinery
pools, and centers including sales and distribution outlets and manufacturing
establishments either public or private shall have the required manpower
complement of agricultural engineers and skilled technicians and operators in
accordance with the guidelines and standards to be formulated and adopted by the
BOAE and DOLE to ensure efficient operation and maintenance and good
management practices.

ARTICLE IIT
LOCAL MANUFACTURE, SUPPLY AND AFTER SALES SERVICE

Section 13. Local Manufacturing - Production of locally made engines and
other machinery for agricultural and fisheries purposes shall be promoted and
encouraged by the Department in partnership with the Metal Working Industry



Association of the Philippines (MIAP) and through joint venture agreement. For this
purpose, the Department in partnership with the recognized national organization of
agricultural machinery manufacturers and distributors, agricultural engineers and
the Department of Science and Technology shall undertake the feasibility study and
R & D for the local manufacture of agricultural engines/prime mover, and other
agricultural machinery and equipment.

Section 14. Exemption from Inport Duties ~ To support the local agricultural
manufacturing industry, the latter is hereby exempted from the payment of import
duties arising from the importation tion of raw materials and components, engine
and mechanical parts required for their manufacture and fabrication of agricultural
and fisheries machinery and equipment.

Section 15. Classification aind Accreditation of Manufacturers, Importers, Suppliers,
Distributors and Dealers ~ Agricultural and fisheries manufacturers, importers and
suppliers, distributors and dealers shall be classified into small, medium and large,
and shall be encouraged to build-up their manufacturing/service facilities; Provided
that agricultural and fisheries machinery manufacturers, importers, suppliers,
distributors and dealers shall be classified and accredited based on their
organizational strengths and track records, area of operation, marketing and
distribution network, after sales service and manufacturing capabilities;

Section 16. Supply of Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery in Government
Procurement Program ~ Only manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors and
dealers accredited by NAMDAC shall be eligible to supply government procurement
requirements on agricultural and fisheries machinery and equipment based on their
classification rating;

Section 17. After-Sales Service ~ All agricultural and fisheries machinery
manufacturers, importers, suppliers, distributors and dealers are required to provide
after-sales service and warranty to their respective clients including insurance
coverage for "wear and tear’ during the warranty period which shall be monitored
by the DA and NAMDAC.

ARTICLE IV
REGISTRATION, LICENSING AND STANDARDIZATION

Section 18. Testing and Evaluation - Agricultural and fisheries machinery and
equipment to be sold in the market shall pass through testing, and, evaluation by the
AMTEC in accordance with the national policies and guidelines to be promulgated
by the Secretary of Agriculture. Specifically, before it can be commercially sold, a
model of the machine and any modification thereof should be tested by AMTEC and
should pass prescribed quality and performance standarrds before it is
manufactured and sold in the market. The regular testing and evaluation of
machinery sold shall be undertaken every five years by AMTEC.



Section 19. Registration of Agricultural and Fishery Machinery:

1. Allagricultural and fisheries machinery shall be registered, in all Municipal
and City Local Government Units through the Agricultural Engineering Unit
of the City /Municipal Agriculture Offices.

v

The registration information shall include the engine serial number, name and
address of the owner, technical specifications, date of acquisition and
acquisition value of the agricultural and fishery machinery being registered;

3, The Provincial Agricultural Engineering Groups of the Local Government
Units shall establish and maintain a provincial data on all agricultural and
fishery machinery being registered, with the DA Regional Agricultural
Engineering Division being responsible for the regional data and the PhMech
for the national data using the facilities of the AgMachIN.

4. The Department in consultation with the private sector and LGUs shall
promulgate national guidelines and procedures in the registration of
agricultural and fishery machinery by the LGUs including the collection of
registration fees. The amount collected should be utilized to fund the
operation of the agricultural and fishery mechanization service centers.

Section 20. Standards Development and Enforcement - The Department in
coordination with the DTI, DOST, BOAE and AMTEC and in consultation with the
accredited associations of farmers and fisherfolk, agricultural machinery
manufacturers and distributors and agricultural engineers shall develop standards
specifications and test procedures of agricultural and machinery. These standards
should be in conformity with the International Standards Organization (ISO) and be
part of the existing Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards.

Thereafter, the Department and LGUs shall enforce the above standards on
the manufacture, sale and distribution of agriculture and fisheries machinery and
equipment, and its accreditation system for agricultural and fishery facilities and
establishments. Likewise, the Department of Public Works and Highways shall
enforce the Philippine Agricultural Engineering Standards in the design,
construction, operation and maintenance of agricultural and fishery buildings and
structures as part of the implementation of the National Building Code of the
Philippines

ARTICLE V
INSTITUTIONS

Section 21. Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Committee - The existing
Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Committee (AFMeC) under the National


Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) is hereby strengthened and reorganized
into the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization and Infrastructure Committee
(AFMIC) to act as an advisory body to ensure the success of the programs and
activities of the DA concerning agricultural mechanization and infrastructure. It is

* also tasked to serve as the consultative and feedback mechanism from the lowest
level to the top decision makers and to assist in defining and formulating the goals
and scope of the country's agriculture and fishery mechanization policies, plans, and
programs. To support its activities, the Agricultural and Fishery Mechanization Staff
of NAFC is also hereby strengthened.

Section 22. Strengthening the DA Agricultural Engineering Groups — Pursuant
to Section 46 of R.A. No. 8435, a Central Agricultural and Fishery Engineering Office
(CAFEO) is hereby created under the Department of Agriculture to be headed by a
Department Undersecretary. The CAFEO shall coordinate, oversee, integrate and
monitor all agricultural and fishery infrastructure, mechanization and engineering
programs and projects of the Department. Likewise, the Regional Agricultural
Engineering Divisions of the Regional Field Units are hereby strengthened and
institutionalized to carry out the field implementation of the agricultural and fishery
mechanization infrastructure programs.

Section 23. Institutionalization of the NAMDAC Board ~ The National
Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors and
Dealers Accreditation and Classification (NAMDAC) Board is hereby
institutionalized to serve as the sole national accreditation and classifying body on
agricultural and fisheries machinery and shall perform the following functions:

1. Establishment of an updated and accurate data base on their sector;

2. Formulate policies, guidelines and criteria for accreditation and classification
on manufacturers of agricultural and fishery machinery;

3. Encourage self regulation in the sector by delegating the task of accrediting
and classifying manufacturers/ dealers distributors and approval of the
quality and safety of their products to their respective associations;

4, Advocate policies to regulate the importation and exportation of agricultural
and fisheries machinery consistent with GATT-WTO provisions; and

5. Ensure that the manufacturers’ /dealers' associations conduct regular
inspection of agricultural and fisheries machinery fabrication plants to ensure
compliance with accepted processes and products.

Section 24. Composition of NAMDAC - NAMDAC shall be organized by the
private sector and shall include representatives from the manufacturers, importers,


suppliers and distributors of agricultural machinery and equipment. The heads of
CAFEO, PhMech, AFMIC and AMTEC shall also be members of NAMDAC.

Section 25. Role of PhMech - The Philippine Institute for Post-harvest
Development and Mechanization (PhMech) shall strengthen its existing research,
extension and post harvest development services functions on postproduction and
mechanization concerns. The PhMech shall coordinate, plan and execute the
agricultural and fishery mechanization and post harvest programs and projects of
the Department.

Section 26. Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center - The existing
Agricultural Machinery Testing and Evaluation Center (AMTEC) is hereby
institutionalized as a Center the College of Engineering and Agro-Industrial
Technology (CEAT) of UPLB, and for purposes of functional coordination and
integration, shall closely coordinate its activities' with CAFEO and PhMech.

ARTICLE VI
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS

Section 27. Implementation by the Local Government Units ~The Local
Government pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known
as the Local Government Code shall undertake applied research, extension,
dispersal, management and regulation of agricultural and fisheries machinery and
equipment including the collection of fees in accordance with national policies,
procedures, guidelines and rules and regulations as promulgated by the Secretary of
Agriculture.

Section 28. Role of the Agricultural and Fishery Engineering Offices of the Local
Government Units. - The Provincial, City and Municipal Agricultural Engineering
Offices of the Local Government Units organized under Section 46 of. R.A. 8435,
Executive Order No. 86, Series of 1999 are hereby strengthened and shall serve as the
coordinating, planning, regulating and implementing body at the provincial, city
and municipal levels on agricultural and fishery machinery.

In cases of provincial, city and municipal LGUs which do not have
Agricultural Engineering Offices, the Department through the Regional Agricultural
Engineering Division shall assume such responsibility, and as deemed necessary
establish provincial, city and municipal operation units.

ARTICLE VII
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 29. Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Plan- The Department shall
formulate and implement a National Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization Plan
upon approval of this Act.


The Local Government Units through an ordinance shall also formulate and
implement their active Provincial, City and Municipal Agricultural and Fishery
Mechanization Plans as a vital component of their respective Agricultural and
Fishery Modernization Plans.

Section 30. Land Consolidation ~ The Department together with the
Department of Agrarian Reform shall carry out land consolidation projects in order
to affect suitable field shapes and sizes conducive to efficient operation of
agricultural machinery and equipment and likewise to ensure economies of scale.

The land consolidation projects shall:

1, promote farm land clustering with a minimum of 50-hectares cluster for
synchronized farming operations from land preparation to harvesting in
cooperation or contract with agricultural mechanized operation service
providers;

nv

undertake farm development planning; and

3. strengthening of farmers’ cooperatives and associations.

Section 31. Lise of Renewable Energy ~ The use of renewable energy such as
those generated by windmills, solar panels, bio-mass and other farm-based energy
sources shall be promoted as power sources for the operation and maintenance of
agricultural and fishery machinery and equipment for agriculture and fisheries. The
Department of Energy together with the DOST and State Colleges and Universities,
and in collaboration with the private sector shall undertake research and extension
activities to enhance the use of renewable energy in the Philippine farm operation.

Section 32. Infrastructure Support- The government shall provide priority
investment for the infrastructure needs in clustered farm lands identified as key
agricultural and fishery production areas to accelerate agricultural and fishery
mechanization in the countryside and this include irrigation facilities, farm-to-
market roads, and power and communications facilities.

Section 33. Inplementing Rules and Regulations - The Department in
consultation stakeholders shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
within six (6) months of promulgation of this Act.

Section 34. Funding:

1. The amount necessary to carry out the program shall be incorporated in the
General Appropriations Act.

10


Vv

All funds currently allocated for agricultural and fisheries machinery and
infrastructure projects under the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization
Program, in particular, the various national government programs for rice,
corn, livestock, HVCC and fisheries, and other locally or foreign assisted
projects of the Department of Agriculture, and that of the Agrarian Reform
Funds of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and that of the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shall be integrated to
constitute the initial Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Infrastructure
Program Fund, and thereafter, shall be incorporated as part of the funding,
appropriation of the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Program;

All Local Government Units shalll likewise include in their investment plans,
as part of the priority appropriations of their 20% Economic Development
Fund, the funding support for the implementation of their respective
provincial, city, municipal and barangay agricultural and fisheries
mechanization and infrastructure program:

‘The Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery and Infrastructure Program Fund
shall be used for the following activities:

a) Training of farmers, fisherfolk, farm workers, agricultural and fisheries

machinery operators and technicians and program implementers;

b) Upgrading of agricultural and fishery mechanization facilities and
equipment of the Department of Agriculture and Local Government Uni

) Investment and Feasibility studies on agricultural and fisheries machinery
and infrastructure projects;

) Information campaign;

¢) Testing and evaluation of AMTEC

f) Registration of agricultural and fisheries machinery, and equipment and
other regulatory activities;

) Agricultural and Fisheries Machinery Demonstration Cente

h) R & Don the manufacturing of local engines;

i) Grant for the young entrepreneurs and agricultural engineers who intend
to pursue agricultural and fishery machinery enterprises projects; and

j) Strengthening the DA and LGU's Agricultural Engineering Groups.
1


Section 35. Separability Clause - The provisions of this Act are hereby declared
separable, and if any clause, sentence, provision or section hereof, should be
declared invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the other provisions of this Act
which can be given force and effect without the provisions which have been
declared invalid.

Section 36. Repealing Clause ~ All laws, or parts thereof, inconsistent herewith
are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Section 37. Effectivity - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved.

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