Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
    EXPLANATORY NOTE 
When the Ministry of Agriculture and Food was reorganized in January 1987 
under the Executive Order No. 116, the Bureau of Agricultural Extension (BAEx), 
the Philippine Agricultural Training Council (PATC) and the Philippine Training 
Centers for Rural Development (PTC-RD) merged, and paved the way for the 
establishment of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI). 
The ATI started with ten training centers from the former PTC-RD when it 
became operational in 1987. A year after, the number of training centers 
nationwide rose to 26 when nine Regional Training Centers (RTC) and seven 
Farmers’ Training Centers (FTC) were set up. 
In 1989, there was a total of 41 training centers nationwide after seven FTCs, 
seven Regional Fishermen's Training Centers (RFTC) and the International 
Training Center on Pig Husbandry (ITCPH) were installed. 
ATI's role as the DA's extension and training arm was strengthened with 
the Republic Act 8435 or the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization 
Act (AFMA) of 1997. But in November 1998, the RFTCs were turned over to 
the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. Also, the FTCs were renamed 
Provincial Training Centers. 
At present, ATI, being the extension and training arm of the Philippine 
Department of Agriculture, is geographically situated nationwide to be able to 
reach its target clientele in the agriculture and fisheries sector. It has 16 regional 
training centers and one international training center, with its Central Office 
located at Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines 
October 28, 2022
4:30 pm
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This House Bill seeks to provide Modernization Funding to the Agricultural 
Training Institute (ATI), to promote food availability and affordability for every
Filipino family through excellent extension services in agriculture and fisheries. 
. 
Thus, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. 
MICHAEL L. ROMERO 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
19TH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ___ 
Introduced by Representative Michael L. Romero 
AN ACT 
PROVIDING FOR MODERNIZATION FUNDINGFOR THE 
AGRICULTURAL TRAINING INSTITUTE (ATI), INCREASING AND 
REORGANIZING ITS ADMINISTRATION, TO FOSTER THE 
EMPOWERMENT AND BUILDING CAPACITIES OF AGRICULTURE 
AND FISHERIES STAKEHOLDERS FOR SUSTAINABLE 
DEVELOPMENT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 
1. 
DECLARATION OF POLICY – It shall hereby be a declared 
policy of the State By virtue of Executive Order No. 116, series 1987, the ATI 
was created to be responsible for the training of all agricultural extension 
workers and other AF clients; ensure that trainings address the real needs of the 
agricultural sector, and that research results are then communicated to the 
farmers through the appropriate training and extension activities. 
 Agricultural Fisheries Modernization Act (RA 8435) of 1997 stipulated that 
extension covers four (4) major services: trainings, farm and business advisory 
services, 
technology 
demonstration, 
and 
information, 
education, 
and 
communication (IEC) support services (Section 87). The ATI was assigned to 
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a) Formulate a national merit system governing all extension 
personnel, regardless of the source of funding, to promote 
professionalism and achieve excellence and productivity in 
the provision of the government extension services (Section 
88); 
b) Formulate and strengthen the National Extension System for 
Agriculture and Fisheries composed of three (3) 
subsystems:  national government, local government, and 
the private sector subsystem (Section 89); 
c) Encourage the participation of organized farmer groups in 
training and other complementary extension services, in 
which appropriate funding for such initiatives may be 
provided (Section 91); 
d) Assist in the LGU’s extension system, along with other 
bureaus and attached agencies of the DA as well as the state 
universities and colleges (SUCs), by improving their 
effectiveness and efficiency through capability-building and 
complementary extension activities such as technical 
assistance; training of LGU extension personnel; 
improvement of physical facilities; extension cum research; 
and information support services (Section 92); 
e) Proposed for the allocation of multi-year budget that shall be 
treated as grants to the local government units (Section 93); 
f) Formulate guidelines in evaluating extension activities and 
institutions, which shall involve an independent and 
interdisciplinary team of collegial reviewers and evaluators 
(Section 94); and 
g) Develop an integrated multimedia support for national and 
LGU extension programs, in coordination with the public 
and private universities and colleges; assist the LGUs in the 


computerization of communication support services to 
clients and linkages to the NIN (Section 95). 
The state shall continually improve the effectiveness of our Quality Management 
System towards equitable development for improved quality of life for all. 
The state shall formulate policies for the efficient and effective administration 
and management of all manpower, skills and competencies to ensure 
compliance. 
SECTION 
2. 
MODERNIZATION FUNDING. – The amount of Five 
Hundred Million Pesos (Php 500,000,000.00) for the operation and 
administration of the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) shall be chargeable 
against funds for the purpose and other sources recommended by the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM). Thereafter, appropriations for 
the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) shall be included in the budget 
proposals under the Department Agriculture (DA). 
 
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall rationalize the existing 
organizational structure and staffing pattern of the in accordance with the 
provisions of this Act and relevant compensation and position classification laws, 
rules and regulations. 
Thereafter, the amount needed for the continued implementation of the 
modernization program, shall be included in the annual General Appropriations 
Act (GAA). 
SECTION 
3. 
AGRICULTURAL 
TRAINING 
INSTITUTE 
(ATI) 
MODERNIZATION FUND – There is hereby created the (ATI) Modernization Fund 
to be used exclusively for the (ATI) Modernization Program. 


The (ATI) Modernization Fund shall be administered by the Secretary of the DA 
in accordance with existing government budgeting, accounting and auditing 
rules and regulations. 
SECTION 
4. 
PROGRESS REPORT – The Secretary of DA shall 
prepare an annual report on the status of the implementation of the (ATI) 
Modernization Programs which shall be submitted, to the Office of the President 
and to the Chairpersons of the Committee of Agriculture and Food of the Senate 
and the House of Representatives. 
SECTION 
5. 
PERIOD OF IMPLEMENTATION – The modernization 
program under this Act shall be implemented for an initial period of two (2) 
years:  
Provided, that payments for multi-year contract obligations incurred 
under this Act may extend beyond this period:  
Provided, further, That the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) shall 
continue to develop, modernize and constantly update its operational capabilities 
to keep pace with best global practices. 
SECTION 
6. 
POWERS 
AND 
FUNCTIONS. – 
The 
Agricultural 
Training Institute (ATI) shall continue to exercise and uphold the following 
powers and functions; but not limited to: 
Pursuant to Executive Order No. 338, series of 2001 and Executive Order 
No. 366, series of 2004 that led to the ATI’s Rationalization Plan (2013): 
 
a) Lead in the formulation of the National AFE Agenda and 
Budget; 
b) Prepare an integrated plan for publicly-funded training 
programs in agriculture and fisheries; 


c) Formulate and issue guidelines in planning, 
implementing, monitoring, and evaluating AFE programs; 
and 
d) In the coordination with SUCs, assist the LGUs’ extension 
system by improving their effectiveness and efficiency 
through capability building and complementary extension 
activities such as technical assistance, training of 
personnel, improvement of physical facilities, extension 
cum research, and information support services. 
 
SECTION 
7. 
INCREASE OF PERSONNEL. – The Agricultural 
Training Institute (ATI) shall maintain the sufficient staffing pattern. Hence, it 
is authorized to increase its manpower to meet such required and may continue 
to increase personnel per percentage rate increase of committed mandates 
annually or as the need arises. 
SECTION 
8. 
TRANSITORY 
PROVISION – 
Existing 
industries, 
businesses and offices affected by the implementation of this Act shall be given 
six (6) months transitory period from the effectivity of the IRR or such other 
period as may be determined, to comply with the requirements of this Act. 
SECTION 
9. 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS. – The 
departments and agencies charged with carrying out the provisions of this Act 
shall, within sixty (60) days after the effectivity of this Act, formulate the 
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 
10. 
REPEALING CLAUSE. – All laws, decrees, executive 
orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions 
of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 


SECTION 
11. 
SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. – If, for any reason, any 
section or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other 
sections or provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby. 
SECTION 
12. 
EFFECTIVITY CLAUSE. – This Act shall take effect 
after fifteen (15) days from its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two 
(2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier. 
Approved,