Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila  
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. 10675  
_______________________________________________________ 
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO  
Partylist Representative Alfred Delos Santos 
_______________________________________________________ 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The agricultural landscape of the Philippines is richly endowed with a 
vast diversity of crops, many of which remain underutilized despite their 
significant nutritional, environmental, and economic potential. Recognizing the 
importance of crops such as Moringa oleifera (malunggay), Ipomoea batatas 
(sweet potato), Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), among others, this bill aims to 
harness these crops' potential to address food security and sustainability, 
enhance nutritional outcomes, and bolster rural economies.  
For instance, Moringa oleifera, widely known for its high vitamin C, 
vitamin A, protein, and calcium content, represents a powerful tool against 
malnutrition. Ipomoea batatas is not only rich in beta-carotene but also has a 
high vitamin C content, providing essential nutrients through both its tubers 
and leaves. Vigna unguiculata, on the other hand, offers significant amounts 
of protein and iron, vital for combating anemia and other micronutrient 
deficiencies.  
The economic ripple effect of promoting these crops is substantial. 
Encouraging SMEs to source and innovate with these crops can open new 
market opportunities, create jobs, and increase farmers' incomes. A vibrant 
sector focused on underutilized crops can stimulate rural development, reduce 
poverty, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.  
This bill aligns with the Philippine government's broader goals of 
sustainable development, poverty reduction, and food security, underpinning 
the importance of agricultural diversity and innovation.  
July 29, 2024
3:03 pm


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


Republic of the Philippines  
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila  
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session  
HOUSE BILL NO. 10675  
_______________________________________________________ 
Introduced by ANG PROBINSYANO  
Partylist Representative Alfred Delos Santos 
_______________________________________________________ 
AN ACT TO ADVANCE THE DEVELOPMENT, UTILIZATION, AND 
COMMERCIALIZATION OF UNDERUTILIZED CROPS THROUGH 
RESEARCH, INCENTIVES, AND DATABASE SUPPORT, PROMOTING 
AGRICULTURAL DIVERSITY AND ENHANCING FOOD SECURITY 
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 “Comprehensive 
Agricultural Development and Support for Underutilized Crops Enhancement 
Act.”  
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to promote 
agricultural biodiversity, enhance food security, and support economic 
development through the sustainable use of underutilized crops. The State 
shall provide comprehensive support for the cultivation, processing, and 
marketing of these crops, aiming to maximize their contribution to nutritional 
health, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.  
SECTION 3. Establishment of the National Underutilized Crops Database – 
The Comprehensive Agricultural Development and Support for Underutilized 


Crops Enhancement Act mandates the creation of a National Underutilized 
Crops Database. This shall be jointly developed and maintained by the 
research arms of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of 
Science and Technology (DOST). The database will consolidate and 
disseminate information concerning underutilized crops' cultivation practices, 
nutritional profiles, market potentials, research findings, unified plans, agenda 
and other researchable areas for underutilized crops. The database shall 
include information on real-time and simulated production and yield data as 
well as the types, varieties, or cultivars of underutilized crop in each region to 
provide relevant data for policy formulations or advisories.  
Any information regarding new and emerging pest and disease, efforts in 
germplasm collection, characterization, and conservation, as well as value-
added products, processing techniques and commercialization efforts done by 
various agencies related to underutilized crops shall likewise be included. The 
database shall be continually updated with the latest research findings, 
cultivation techniques, and market trends to serve a wide array of 
stakeholders, 
including 
farmers, 
researchers, 
policymakers, 
and 
entrepreneurs.  
SECTION 4. Research and Development Fund for Underutilized Crops – There 
shall be included in the budget of the Department of Agriculture an amount 
for the establishment of a Research and Development Fund for Underutilized 
Crops. The fund shall allocate grants for research activities aimed at enhancing 
crop yields, developing new crop varieties, improving nutritional content, and 
establishing sustainable farming practices. Any research fund for the 
development, refinement, or scaling of underutilized crop technologies with a 
regional/provincial/municipal focus shall be directly allocated to the research 
division of the DA-Regional Field Offices who has jurisdiction. On the other 
hand, for research that is national in scope, the funds shall be allocated to the 
Bureau of Agricultural Research and/or Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) of the 
Department of Agriculture. 


SECTION 5. SME Incentive Program for Use of Underutilized Crops – To 
stimulate economic activity and encourage the integration of underutilized 
crops into the market, the Act establishes an incentive program specifically 
designed for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The program shall offer 
financial and non-financial incentives, including tax breaks, start-up grants, 
and concessional loans, to SMEs engaged in processing, distributing, or selling 
products derived from underutilized crops. The program shall also provide 
technical support and business development services to help these enterprises 
scale up their operations, improve product quality, and expand market reach.  
SECTION 6. Implementation – The DA, in collaboration with the Department 
of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the DOST, and other relevant government 
agencies, will be responsible for the implementation, monitoring, and periodic 
review of this Act to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.  
 
SECTION 7. Appropriations. – The amount necessary to carry out the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's 
appropriations of the Department of Agriculture. Thereafter, such amount as 
may be necessary for the continued implementation of the Act shall be included 
in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
SECTION 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations – The DA, in consultation 
with DTI and DOST, and other relevant stakeholders, shall issue the necessary 
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act within ninety 
(90) days from its enactment.  
SECTION 9. Separability Clause – If any provision of this Act is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall 
remain in force and effect. 
SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. – All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and 
other issuances, or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act 


are repealed or modified accordingly.  
SECTION 11. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette, or in a newspaper of general circulation in 
the Philippines.  
Approved,