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

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3743

Introduced by Honorable Rodante D. Marcoleta

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 assistance for the
establishment of small livelihood enterprises such as sari-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 people-oriented and
truly democratic government.

In view of the foregoing, support and approval of the bill is earnestly sought.

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

Seventeenth Congress
First Regular Session

3743

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Rodante D. Marcoleta

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING THE LIVELIHOOD ENHANCEMENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM (LEAP) AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION |. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Livelihood
Enhancement Assistance Program Act of 2013.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote and protect the well-being of the people, provide a 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 Assistance Program. — In
pursuance to the above mentioned policy, Livelihood Enhancement Assistance
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) Assis

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

g) Promote unity among the people of the community by encouraging
them to work together in community-endeavored livelihood
projects.

SEC. 5. Loans, ~ The amount of loans granted under the LEAP shall range

from Ten Thousand Pesos (P 10,000.00) for individuals and One Hundred Thousand


(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.

SEC. 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 earnings of the Philippine
Amusement and Gaming Corporation; and

)

Grants and donations from individuals, organizations and
corporations: 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. 11. 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,