Senate Office of tur secretary NOV 12 P5:47 TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. — 1521 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid PROMOTING RURAL AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AND INNOVATION THROUGH A NATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR FARMERS AND YOUTH, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE Agriculture remains the backbone of the Philippine economy, employing millions of Filipinos and sustaining the country's food security. However, rural farming communities continue to face persistent challenges - from low productivity and limited access to modern tools, to poor connectivity and inadequate technical training. Despite being the main food producers, many farmers remain among the poorest sectors of society. Technological innovation is a key driver of agricultural transformation across the globe. From precision farming and drone-assisted irrigation to digital marketplaces and mobile-based advisory services, new technologies have improved yields, reduced costs, and expanded market access for farmers. Unfortunately, these benefits have not been fully realized in the Philippine countryside, where gaps in infrastructure, knowledge, and resources hinder the adoption of such technologies. The Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation Act seeks to address these systemic barriers by establishing a Rural Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation Program (RATAIP) under the Department of Agriculture. This national
support program aims to empower farmers and rural youth by promoting inclusive access to modern agricultural tools, digital infrastructure, capacity-building opportunities, and innovation funding. Through agricultural technology grants and subsidies, qualified farmers will receive financial assistance to acquire modern machinery, digital tools, and climate- resilient technologies. Complementing this is the creation of rural agriculture digital centers that will provide internet access, digital literacy training, and support for e- commerce and online market linkages. The measure also recognizes the vital role of the rural youth in shaping the future of Philippine agriculture. By providing subsidized training programs, research grants, and innovation support, the bill encourages youth participation in farming and agri-entrepreneurship, ensuring generational continuity in the sector. This proposed measure envisions a future where Philippine agriculture is modern, inclusive, and sustainable - where farmers and rural youth are empowered through access to technology and innovation, and where the countryside becomes a center of productivity and opportunity. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
Senate Office of the Excretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) 25 NOV 12 P5:47 First Regular Session RECEIVED BY: SENATE 1521 S. No. — Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid PROMOTING RURAL AGRICULTURAL TECHNOLOGY ACCESS AND INNOVATION THROUGH A NATIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR FARMERS AND YOUTH, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 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 "Agricultural
6 Technology Access and Innovation Act".
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to promote inclusive, modern, and sustainable agricultural development by ensuring that farmers and the rural youth have equitable access to technology, knowledge, and innovation. Toward this end, the State shall foster rural economic growth by supporting the adoption of appropriate technologies, improving digital connectivity, and empowering the next generation of farmers and agriculture entrepreneurs.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following terms
shall mean: a. Agricultural Technology - refers to any machinery, equipment, software, digital platform, or process innovation that improves agricultural productivity, sustainability, market access, or resilience to climate change.
b. Qualified farmers - refer to farmers, farmer cooperatives, associations, and agrarian beneficiaries, who are registered with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and have been actively engaged in agricultural activities for at least two years, and meet the criteria set by the DA for subsidy allocation. c. Rural Youth - refers to persons aged 15-25 residing in rural areas engaged or intending to engage in agriculture.
SECTION 4. Rural Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation Program. -
9 There is hereby established a Rural Agricultural Technology Access and Innovation 10 Program (RATAIP) under the DA, with the following components: a. Agricultural Technology Grants and Subsidies. - To ease the financial burden of adopting modern tools, qualified farmers shall be entitled to partial subsidies, that shall cover up to 50% of the total cost of acquiring eligible agricultural technology, equipment, or machinery, with specific thresholds to be determined annually by the DA, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management. b. Digital Connectivity and Infrastructure Support. - The RATAIP shall include the establishment of rural agriculture digital centers offering internet access and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) training aimed at improving the basic digital literacy of farmers, enabling them to efficiently use online platforms, digital tools, and technologies. In addition, support for the development of ICT infrastructure in farming communities, through partnerships with local government units (LGUs) and accredited private service providers. c. Capacity-Building and Technical Training. - In cooperation with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and accredited private training providers, subsidized training shall be made available to qualified farmers and rural youth, covering the use of agricultural technology solutions, farm management software, e-commerce platforms, and climate-resilient technologies.
d. Research and Development Support. - To promote innovation, the RATAIP shall provide funding for qualified youth-led or farmer-led research projects focused on appropriate and sustainable agricultural technology solutions. e. Market Linkage and E-Commerce Promotion. - The RATAIP shall help farmers access online platforms as an avenue for the sale of products and promote the development of farmer-owned digital marketplaces.
SECTION 5. Technology Accreditation. - The DA, in coordination with the
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), shall establish a system for the accreditation of agricultural technology products and services to ensure safety, appropriateness, and quality standards for rural deployment. The accreditation process shall evaluate technologies based on criteria such as effectiveness, sustainability, and climate resilience. The DA, in consultation with the DOST, shall set these standards and publish an annual list of accredited technologies.
SECTION 6. Inter-Agency Support. - The DA shall coordinate with the
following agencies and entities for program implementation: a. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) b. Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) C. Department of Science and Technology (DOST) d. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) e. Local Government Unites (LGUs) f. State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) g. Private sector partners and NGOs. Provided that, LGUs shall be responsible for facilitating the local distribution of subsidies, supporting the establishment of ICT infrastructure, and ensuring that rural farmers are aware of the available resources under the Program. Private sector partners and NGOs shall provide the necessary expertise, technology, and logistical support for training, equipment, and connectivity.
SECTION 7. Monitoring and Evaluation Mechanism. - The DA, in coordination
with the Commission on Audit, shall establish an independent monitoring and
evaluation framework to assess the performance and impact of the Program. The results of such evaluations shall be made publicly available and be used to improve the Program.
SECTION 8. Incentives. - Fiscal incentives for private companies, including
tax breaks, subsidies, and preferential treatment in government procurement processes, shall be granted based on their proven track record in delivering technology solutions, training services, or infrastructure development in rural areas.
SECTION 9. Appropriations. - The necessary funds for the implementation of
this Act shall be sourced from the existing budget of the DA. Thereafter, funding requirements shall be duly incorporated into the annual budget of the DA, in accordance with the regular budgetary process.
SECTION 10. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or the
application of such provision is declared unconstitutional, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 11. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, letters of instruction, proclamations or administrative regulations that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
SECTION 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication either in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general 21 circulation. Approved,