Republic of the Philippines

PROVINCE OF BUKIDNON
City of Malaybalay

Office of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Proposed Resolution No. __________ (27th SP)

Series of 2024

A RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING SENATE BILL NO. 2535 OTHERWISE

KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURISTS ACT OF 2024, INTRODUCED
BY SENATOR JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI, BY REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF
THE AGRICULTURE PROFESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES, CREATING FOR THE
PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR AGRICULTURIST, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR —

_______________________________________________________________

Authored by: BENITO U. BAGUIO

3rd Legislative District

Co-authored by: RODRIGO A. ROSAL

4th Legislative District
Province of Bukidnon
_______________________________________________________________
WHEREAS, Agriculture is the perennial backbone of the Philippine economy.
Article II, Section 9 of the Philippine Constitution provides that the State shall
promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and
independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that
provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living,
and an improved quality of life for all: Also, Article II, Section 9 of the same
Constitution accord that the State shall promote industrialization and full employment
based on sound agricultural development that make full of efficient use of human
and natural resources, and which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets;

WHEREAS, the State recognizes the importance of Registered Agriculturists in

nation-building and development. Hence, it shall develop and nurture competent,
ethical, globally competitive and well-rounded Registered Agriculturists who
shall observe the highest standards of excellence, and whose professionalism shall be
fostered through the administration of transparent, credible and relevant licensure
examinations, a system of registration and self-regulation, and through continuing
professional development programs and activities;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No 8435 otherwise known as the Agriculture

and Fisheries Modernization Act of 1997 (AFMA) provides the policies and plans to
the continuing modernization and development of the agriculture and fishery
sector amid the ever-changing demands of globalization and food security. The
success of AFMA depends on the men and women who comprise the agriculture and
fishery development workers;

WHEREAS, Sec. 75 of the Rules and Regulations Implementing RA

8435, the Professional Regulation Commission, in its Resolution No. 2000-
663, created a Board of Agriculture under its administrative supervision and control
to oversee the licensing and regulation of the practice of agriculture. The Commission
has mandated the licensure of agriculture graduates to give importance to the
professionalization of the agriculture profession;

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 WHEREAS, The Philippine Agriculturists Act of 2024 is a crucial piece of
legislation aimed at supporting and uplifting the country's agricultural sector .
Through this act, much-needed resources and assistance will be provided to Filipino
agriculturists, who play a vital role in ensuring food security and sustainable
development. This act will help streamline regulations, provide access to modern
technologies, improve agricultural education and training programs, and promote
research and development initiatives;

WHEREAS, the Legislative status of SENATE BILL NO. 2535 has already
undergone First Reading during the, 19th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines -
Second Regular Session, and was Referred to the Committees on Civil Service,
Government Reorganization and Professional Regulation and Finance, as of February 12,
2024;
WHEREAS, by supporting the Philippine Agriculturists Act of 2024, the
government is not only recognizing their importance in the economy but also
empowering them to enhance productivity and competitiveness in the global market.
With proper support and investment, Philippine agriculturists have the potential to
transform the agricultural landscape of the country and contribute
significantly to its economic growth and prosperity;

NOW THEREFORE, on the motion of Board Members, Benito U. Baguio and

Rodrigo A. Rosal, and with the unanimous accord of the Members present, assembled
in session, be it:

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, for the passage of A

RESOLUTION STRONGLY SUPPORTING SENATE BILL NO. 2535 OTHERWISE
KNOWN AS THE PHILIPPINE AGRICULTURISTS ACT OF 2024, INTRODUCED
BY SENATOR JUAN MIGUEL F. ZUBIRI, BY REGULATING THE PRACTICE OF
THE AGRICULTURE PROFESSION IN THE PHILIPPINES, CREATING FOR THE
PURPOSE A PROFESSIONAL REGULATORY BOARD FOR AGRICULTURIST, AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this Resolution be furnished to the

twenty-seven (27) Provinces of Mindanao for their immediate support, and to the Office
of the Senate of the Philippines, Room 606, GSIS Financial Center, Diokno Boulevard,
Pasay City, Philippines, for their information.

Approved unanimously.

BENITO U. BAGUIO

Provincial Board Member

RODRIGO A. ROSAL

Provincial Board Member

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