National Food Security Day Act

CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TWENTIETH CONGRESS First Regular Session HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H. No. 8042 BY REPRESENTATIVES SALCEDA, LAGDAMEO (J.M.), CAYTON, GATO, LAGBAS, MERCADO-REVILLA, RODRIGUEZ (E.), AYON, NAZAL AND ELAGO AN ACT DECLARING OCTOBER 16 OF EVERY YEAR AS NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY DAY, IN CONSONANCE WITH THE CELEBRATION OF WORLD FOOD DAY Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "National Food Security

2 Day Act".

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to ensure food security,

promote sustainable agriculture, and eradicate hunger, consistent with the Constitution and international commitments. To this end, the Philippines shall join the international community in observing October 16 of every year as World Food Day by institutionalizing it as National Food Security Day.

SEC. 3. National Food Security Day. - October 16 of every year is hereby declared

as National Food Security Day, a special working day of commemoration, to be observed throughout the country in consonance with World Food Day. This is in recognition of every individual's right to adequate, safe, and nutritious food, and to affirm the State's commitment to food security, sustainable agriculture, and the elimination of hunger and malnutrition.

SEC. 4. Lead Agency. - The Department of Agriculture (DA) shall lead the annual

observance of National Food Security Day, in coordination with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of the Interior and Local 17 Government, National Nutrition Council, and other relevant agencies.

The DA shall design activities, programs and information campaigns that highlight: (a) Food security and self-sufficiency; (b) Promotion of sustainable agricultural practices; (c) Reduction of food waste; (d) Nutrition awareness; and (e) The role of farmers, fisherfolk and other food system stakeholders.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days after the

effectivity of this Act, the DA in coordination with all concerned agencies, shall promulgate 9 the necessary rules and regulations for the observance of National Food Security Day.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid, or

11 unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall 12 remain valid and subsisting.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, presidential decrees or issuances,

executive orders, letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, 16 or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication

in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. $ Approved,