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

Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session
6330

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Sharon S. Garin

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rainfed agriculture or dryland farming refers to the cultivation of crops without
irrigation utilizing mainly water that comes from precipitation stored in the unsaturated soil.
This is popular in drylands mostly located in Northern Luzon, Central Visayas and Southern
Mindanao, In fact, the Philippines has more than 7.5 million hectares of dryland or rainfed
areas which accounts for three-fourth of the ten (10) million hectares of total cultivated areas.
Furthermore, over five (5) million poor households in the country are dependent on dryland
farming and it contributes about 40% of total domestic food production. There is no denying
that rainfed agriculture is crucial to the food security of the Philippines, however, it is
becoming more and more difficult because of the problems associated with climate change,
among others.

This bill seeks to establish the Philippine Rainfed Agriculture Institute (PhilRAD, as
an attached agency to the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve the livelihood of
resource-poor rainfed communities and empower them to cope with drought, global warming,
rising food prices, land degradation and other risks arising from environmental and climate
changes. The institute shall be tasked in preserving natural resources, ensuring food security,
and providing socio-economic assistance to resource-poor rainfed agriculture farmers.

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

ES §. GARIN
AAMBIS-Owa Partylist


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

Seventeenth Congress
Second Regular Session

6330

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Sharon S. Garin

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE PHILIPPINE RAINFED AGRICULTURE INSTITUTE 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 "Philippine Rainfed
Agriculture Institute 4 ct”.

SEC. 2. Declai ation of Policy. ~ Pursuant to Article Il, Section 16 of the 1987
Philippine Constitution, the State hereby declares the policy of protecting and advancing the
right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and

harmony of nature.

It adheres to the principle of protecting natural resources to ensure food security,
reducing poverty, protecting the environment and addressing issues such as climate change,

‘community empowerment and improved livelihoods.

SEC. 3. Philippine Rainfed Agriculture Institute. - The Philippine Rainfed
Agriculture Institute, hereinafter referred to as PhilRAI, is hereby established as an attached
agency of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to improve the livelihood of resource-poor
rainfed communities and empower them to cope with drought, global warming, rising food

prices, land degradation and other risks arising from environmental and climate changes.


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SEC. 4. Objectives. — The objectives of this Act are as follows:

a) Build climate resilient agriculture in the rainfed areas through sustainable and
integrated approach by enhancing the impact of natural resources and adapting
various coping strategies on climate change and building capacity of different
stakeholders;

b) Develop a robust and innovative farmer-centered, need-based national Rainfed
Agriculture research for development and extension corporate programs;

©) Strengthen and modernize the Philippine Rainfed Agriculture;

4) Improve the livelihood of resource-poor rainfed farmers and promote the general

welfare of rainfed farming communities; and

€) Develop or strengthen related programs in partnership and consultation with the DA
Bureau of Agriculture Research (DA-BAR), DA Regional Research Centers, the
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic Forestry, and Natural Resources Research
and Development (PCAARRD), State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), the private

sector, civil society organizations and international research organizations.

SEC. 5. Strategic Framework of PhilRAI. - The PhilRAI shall, within six (6) months

from the effectivity of this Act, formulate a Strategic Framework on Philippine Rainfed
Agriculture. The Framework shall serve as the basis for developing programs on Rainfed
Agriculture, and action plan for research, development, extension and monitoring activities.

The Framework shall be reviewed every three (3) years, or as may be deemed necessary.

SEC. 6. Components of the Strategic Framework of PhilRAI. ~ The Framework

shall include but not limited to the following components:

a) Building climate resilient communities;

b)_ Resilient farming systems innovation;


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Integrated natural resources management;

Enabling policy guidelines and institutional arrangements;

Database development and management;

8)

h)

d

Productivity enhancement;
Advocacy and information dissemination;
Monitoring and evaluation; and

Gender mainstreaming and development.

SEC. 7. Programs and Action Plans. ~ The PhilRAI shall formulate a Program and

Action Plan in accordance with the Framework within one (1) year after its formulation. This

shall include but not limited to the following components:

a)

b)

1)

Assessment of benchmark information on Philippine Rainfed Agriculture, Assess the
climate vulnerability/change in selected communities and identify natural resources
management strategies with high probability of success in the context of climate
variability and change;

Designing the biophysical landscape of the agro-ecosystem that will incorporate water
harvesting and management, soil erosion prevention and social preparation for
community-based shared water use arrangements;

Developing appropriate farming systems where crops and livestock are identified,
together with farmers that are adapted to such environment situations as well as
responding to market opportunities;

Understanding socio-culture and socio-economic dynamics towards better farmer

participation and commitment on its programs;


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€) Developing community and institution capabilities for shared management of
resources and products;

f) Common understanding and capability among program proponents (researches,
extension personnel, development managers and local political leaders) of the
program approaches, goals, and expected outputs and impacts;

2) Obtaining support from local government, private institutions and international

research organizations; and

h) Develop enabling policy guidelines and institutional arrangements for integrated agro-
ecosystem development and management, and increasing resilience of rural
communities to climate variability/change for sustainable intensification and
livelihoods of smallholder farmers.

SEC. 8. Principal Office and Branches. ~ The PhilRAI shall have a principal office
in Metro Manila or elsewhere as its Board of Trustees may decide. It may also establish
offices, branches, satellite stations or networks in geographically suitable regions in the
Philippines as may be necessary or proper for the accomplishment of its goal and objectives.

SEC. 9. Duties and Functions. ~ The PhilRAI shall exercise duties and functions

which
shall include but not limited to the following:

a) Lead and coordinate a national network for Rainfed Agriculture research for
development and extension programs in different agro-ecological regions of the
country;

b) Plan, monitor, evaluate, conduct, and fund research for development and extension

activities on Rainfed Agriculture;

©) Create an information database, collect, package and share new knowledge and


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innovations though modem information and communication technology and other
innovative approaches;

4) Enhance income of farmers through sustainable and market-linked rainfed production
systems, genetic improvement by conventional and biotechnology approaches, and

natural resources management;

e) Develop and implement a robust social mobilization, communication and capacity
building program among farmers, rural women, researchers, extension workers,
development managers, local administrators and entrepreneurs towards the conduct of
on-farm demonstration, technology utilization and technology commercialization
activities;

f) Identify and map out development pathways towards efficient and productive rainfed
agro-industries through appropriate socio-economic measures and public-private
partnerships; and

2) Develop databases, guide public policy formulation and pursue policy advocacy that
will stimulate, modernize and sustain Rainfed Agriculture, food crops production,
processing and marketing systems and put these in the hands of farmers through their

organizations.

SEC. 10. Corporate Powers. ~ PhilRAI shall exercise the corporate powers, but not

limited to the following:

a) Exercise all the powers of a corporation under the general corporation law in so for as

such powers are not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act;

b) Enter into, make and execute contracts and agreements of any kind or nature, and to

sue and be sued in its corporate name;

c) Borrow funds and obtain loans from all sources, whether local or foreign and whether


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government or private, to help finance its research for development and extension

programs and its capital and operating expenditures;

4) Invest in, purchase or otherwise acquire own, hold, use, lease, mortgage, pledge,
encumber, sell, assign, convey, exchange, or otherwise deal in real or personal
properties of whatever kind of nature, or any interest therein including shares of stock,
bonds, notes, securities, and other evidences of indebtedness of natural or juridical

persons, whether domestic or foreign and whether government and private;

©) Acquire from the government, whether national or local of from any person,
corporation, partnership, association or other entity, such characters, franchises,
licenses, rights, privileges, assistance, financial or otherwise and concessions as may
be conducive to and necessary for proper for the attainment of the goal and objectives

of PhiIRAI; and
f) Receive and acquire from any person, government and private entities, whether
foreign or domestic, grants, donations and contributions consisting of such properties,

real or personal, including funds and valuable effects, as may be useful, necessary or

proper to carry out its purposes and objectives and administer the same in accordance
with the terms of such grants, donations, and contributions and consistent with its
purposes and objectives.
SEC. 11. Board of Trustees. ~ The corporate functions and powers of PhilRAI shall
be exercised, and all its business activities and properties shall be controlled by a Board of
Trustees, hereinafter referred to as the Board.

‘The Board shall be composed of the Secretary of Agriculture as ex-officio Chair and

fourteen (14) members. The members of the Board shall be appointed by the President of the

Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture.


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a)

b)

8)
hy
i)
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kK)

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m) Representative from Philippine scientists assoc

The members of the Board shall be composed of the following:

Director of the DA Bureau of Agricultural Research (DA-BAR);

Director of the DABureau of Soils and Water Management (DA-BSWM);

the DA Agricultural Training Institute (DA-ATI);

Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, Forestry and

‘Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD);

Executive Director of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC);

Deputy Director-General of the National Economic and Development Authority
(NEDA);

Undersecretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM);
Commissioner of the Climate Change Commission (CCC);

President of the League of Provinces;

Representative from the academe;

Representative of farmers' organization operating in rainfed areas;

Representative of women's self-help group operating in rainfed areas;

Representative from private sector engaged in agribusiness; and

ion working on natural resources

management.

The PhilRAI Executive Director shall act as the Secretary of the Board. All

government officials in the Board shall serve ex-officio members and shall not receive any

additional salary or compensation.

The representatives shall be appointed by the President from a list of nominees

submitted by their respective groups/associations. They shall serve for a term of two (2) years


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without reappointment unless their representation is withdrawn by the sector they represent.
Appointment to any vacancy shall only be for the unexpired term of the predecessor.

SEC. 12. Per Diem. — The Chair and members of the Board shall receive per diem, as
the Board may determine, for each meeting actually attended. Such members shall also be
entitled to reimbursable transportation and representation allowances in going to and coming
from board meetings and in transacting official business for PhilRAI.

SEC. 13. Meetings of the Board. — The Board shall meet once every three (3)
months, or as often as may be deemed necessary by the Chairperson. The Chairperson may
likewise call meetings upon government agencies for the proper implementation of this Act.

SEC. 14. Powers and Functions of the Board. — The Board shall exercise the
following powers and functions:

) Guide the formulation of the vision, mission, strategy and research for development

and extension priorities of PhilRAl;

b) Approve policies, programs, plans and operational procedures of PhilRAI;

c) Approve PhilRAI's organizational structure, staffing pattern, operating and capital
expenditures, and budget in accordance with its corporate plan;

d) Approve salary ranges, benefits, privileges, bonuses and other terms and conditions of
service for all officers and employees of PhilRAI upon the recommendation of the
Executive Director;

©) Appoint, transfer, promote, suspend, remove or discipline any officer or employee of
PhilRAI, upon the recommendation of the Executive Director;

f) Create relevant committees and appoint members thereof as may be necessary and

proper for the management of PhilRAI; and


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g) Exercise such other powers and functions and perform such other acts as may be
necessary for the attainment of the goals and objectives of PhilRAI or as may be
delegated by the Secretary of Agriculture.

SEC. 15. Executive Director. ~ PhilRAI shall be headed by an Executive Director
who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines, upon the recommendation of the
Board, and based on the evaluation of a Search Committee through the office of the Secretary
of Agriculture.

a) The Executive Director shall serve for a term of six (6) years, subject to only one term
extension of six (6) years or less for very meritorious performance, or a maximum
term of twelve (12) years; and

b) The Executive Director shall be assisted by Deputy Executive Directors, division
heads and program directors as the Board may determine to carry out the objectives of

PhiIRAI.

SEC. 16. Duties of the Executive Director. ~ The Executive Director shall be directly

responsible to the Board, and shall have the following dutie

a) Exercise dynamic leadership, create a vision, map out the mission, provide strategic
direction, and supervise the implementation of all research for development and
extension programs and, in general, to supervise the operations of PhilRAI;

b) Execute contracts, incur obligations, acquire and dispose assets, and deliver
documents on behalf of PhilRAI within the framework of the authority delegated by
the Board;

©) Implement and enforce policies, decisions, orders, rules and regulations that are
promulgated or adopted by the Board; and

d) Exercise such other powers and functions and perform such other duties as may be


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authorized, delegated or assigned by the Board.

SEC. 17. Technical Advisory Committee. — A Technical Advisory Committee
(TAC), organized and approved by the Board, shall assist the Executive Director, Deputy

Executive Directors, division heads and program directors in pursuing inter-agency activities

and participation of the national agriculture research development and extension networks.

The TAC shall be composed of not more than nine (9) members who are heads or
representatives of agencies, government, private or international, that are actively involved in
Rainfed Agriculture research, production, processing, marketing, policy formulation and
advocacy, and capacity building.

SEC. 18. Facilities and Manpower. - PhilRAI shall undertake its initial ‘operations in
the existing offices, laboratories and experimental stations and other similar government
institutions within the DA. Furthermore, DA, collaborating SUCs and international research

organizations shall deploy selected personnel and scientists to assist PhilRAI in pursuing its
research, development and extension programs.

SEC. 19. Services of Government Personnel. — The PhilRAI shall, for the purpose of
its research for development activities, obtain and secure the services of scholars, scientists,
and technical personnel of SUCs, DA and related agencies of the national government and
international research organizations. Such personnel may be given honoraria or incentives as
may be fixed and authorized by the Board.

SEC. 20. Buildings and Equipment. — PhilRAL is hereby authorized to own, acquire,
borrow, lease, hold, plan and construct buildings, laboratories, experimental stations, and
other facilities as may be necessary or proper to attain its goal and objectives.

PhiIRAI is also authorized to purchase equipment, materials and articles, either

locally or abroad, as may be necessary or proper to carry out its powers and functions and


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attain its purposes and objectives. Provided, however, that it shall be exempted from the
payment of any and all forms of taxes, duties, fees and charges of any and all such
importation of equipment, materials, articles and services. Provided, further, that the same are

not available locally on favorable terms.

SEC. 21. Appropriations. — The Secretary of Agriculture, and Budget and
Management are hereby authorized and directed to set aside, out of the Agricultural
Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) and other fund sources of DA, the amount of
Five Hundred Million Pesos (Php 500,000,000) as the initial budget of PhilRAI for its start-
up and operating expenses. Thereafter, the annual budget of PhilRAI's operations shall be
provided for in the annual General Appropriations Act. The appropriations herein provided
shall be subject to the fiscal control and management procedures provided for in Executive

Order (EO) No. 714, Series of 1981.

All funds, savings and income of PhilRAI shall be considered part of the funds
automatically released to the latter, subject to the fiscal control and management procedures
provided for in EO 714. Such funds, savings and income shall be used to achieve the goal and
objectives for which PhilRAI was established.

SEC. 22. Civil Service Laws. — PhilRAI and its officers and employees shall be
subject to the Civil Service Law, rules and regulations. Technical personnel shall be selected
on the basis of the highest possible standards of merit and fitness for public service to be
determined in accordance with such policies and guideline as may be approved by the Board.

SEC. 23. Auditor. ~ The Chair of the Commission on Audit shall be ex-officio
auditor of PhilRAI. For this purpose, he/she may appoint a representative who shall be the
resident auditor of PhiIRAI, together with the necessary personnel to assist the said

representative in the performance of his/her duties.


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SEC. 24. Legal Counsel. ~ The Government Corporate Counsel shall be the legal
counsel of PhilRAI. It may establish its own legal department, subject to the supervision and
control of the Government Corporate Counsel, to handle the day-to-day legal matters

affecting its affairs.

SEC. 25. Annual Report. — The Board shall submit to the President of the Philippines
through the Secretary of Agriculture, an annual report On the activities and operations of
PhilRAI together with the audit report on relevant accounts.

SEC. 26. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within ninety (90) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Secretary of Agriculture shall, in coordination with PhilRAI,
formulate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 27. Separability Clause. — If any provision or part of this Act is declared invalid
or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or provisions not affected shall remain in full force
and effect.

SEC. 28. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, proclamations,
rules and regulations, and issuances, or part thereof, which are inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SEC. 29. Effectivity.— This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication on

the Official Gazette or in two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved.