Republic of the Philippines

Province of Masbate
CITY OF MASBATE

OFFICE OF THE SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE 57TH REGULAR SESSION OF THE 7TH SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD HELD AT
LEGISLATIVE SESSION HALL, MASBATE CITY ON AUGUST 18, 2020.
Introduced by: Hon. RUBY M. SANCHEZ-MORANO - Vice Mayor/ Presiding Officer
Hon. RODOLFO C. ABELLA - City Councilor
Hon. JASPER D. BALA - City Councilor
Hon. ROSEMARIE V. SALVACION - City Councilor
Hon. ALBERTO R. ABAYON - City Councilor
Hon. ALEX D. SAN PABLO - City Councilor
Hon. ALLAN T. LIM - City Councilor
Hon. MEDEN G. DIEZ - City Councilor
Hon. RAMIL O. YANEZA - City Councilor
Hon. JERRY A. REY - City Councilor
Hon. SOCRATES M. TUASON - Liga ng mga Barangay Fed. President

ORDINANCE NO. 256-2020

“ORGANIC AGRICULTURE ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF MASBATE, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 10068 otherwise known as, “An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of
Organic Agriculture in the Philippines and for other purposes” promotes, propagates, develops further and
implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines as it minimizes the health risk to farmers
by not being exposed to toxic and hazardous chemicals used in fertilizer and pesticides that are present
in conventional farming;
WHEREAS, organic food commands a better practice and by promoting and supporting these products as a high
value crop will redound to the benefit of the Filipino farmers;
WHEREAS, promoting and supporting organic products as a high value crop will redound to the benefit of the farmers;

WHEREAS, the City Government of Masbate must adopt programs in order to support the thrust of the government in
meeting the food requirements and make them accessible, affordable, safe and nutritious;

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Masbate City, in session, that:

ARTICLE I
GENERAL PROVISIONS

SECTION 1. Title: This ordinance shall be known as the, “Organic Agriculture Ordinance of the City of Masbate”.

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the policy of the state to promote and protect the right to health of the people and instil
health consciousness among them.

It is the policy of the City Government of Masbate to provide adequate policy direction and incentives to all the
local farmers in the City practicing organic farming to ensure overall food and nutrition security.

SECTION 3. Declaration of Principles. The practice of organic agriculture shall adhere to the following principles to guide the
implementation of this ordinance:

a. Organic Agriculture does not co-exist with the genetically modified crops, chemically produced crops and
related organisms, both living and non-living;
b. All existing policies on agriculture of the City Government of Masbate should adopt and integrate all aspects of
Organic Agriculture; and
c. The integrity of organic products through the approved organic certification process and organic production,
handling and processing standards should be ensured;
d. Commercialization of organic farming practices shall be promoted and continually be develop;
e. Continuous research and upgrading of all organic programs;
f. Help improve the capacity building of farmers and the education of consumers;
g. To extend assistance to all stakeholders including individuals and groups who are practicing and promoting
the methods as well as those who are willing to do other pertinent activities and documentation and
evaluations of the program.

SECTION 4. Definition of Terms. As defined in this ordinance, the following words shall mean:
Organic Agriculture Ordinance of the City of Masbate
Ordinance No. 256-2020
 a. Organic - refers to the particular farming and processing system, described in the standards and not in the
classical chemical sense. It is also labelling term that denotes products considered organic based in the
Philippine national standards for organic agriculture.
b. Organic Agriculture - includes all agricultural systems that promote the ecological sounds, socially acceptable,
economically viable and technically feasible production of food and fibers. Organic agriculture reduces
external inputs by refraining from the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It also covers areas such as,
but not limited to, soil fertility management, variety breeding and selection under chemical and pesticide-free
conditions, the use of biotechnology and other cultural practices that are consistent with the principles and
policies of this ordinance, and enhance productivity without destroying the soil and harming farmers,
consumers and the environment as defined by the International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movement
(IFOAM):
c. Conversion period (transition period) - refers to the time between the start of the organic management and the
certification of crops, animal production system or site as organic.
d. Biodegradable waste - is a type of waste, typically originating from plant or animal sources, which may be
degraded by the other living organisms.
e. Ecologically Sound - refers to a state, quality or condition of a product, practice, system, development mode,
culture, environmental and the like, in accord with the 1987 Philippine Constitution, and as expounded in the
above definition of organic agriculture.
f. Certification - is the procedure by which official certification bodies or officially recognize; certification bodies
provide written or equivalent assurance that food control systems conform to requirements.
g. Accreditation - is the procedure by which a government agency having jurisdiction formally recognized the
competence of an inspection and/or certification body to provide inspection and certification services.
h. First party certification - is defined as when the certification criteria and rules are set and monitored/enforced
by the producer or company itself.
i. Second party certification - is defined as when the certification criteria and rules are set by buyers or industry
organizations.
j. Third party certification or independent certification - is defined as when the firm requires that its supplies meet
a certain standard and requests an independent organization that is not involved in the business relationship
to control the compliance of the suppliers.
k. Organic food establishment - refers to an entity, whether local or foreign, that produces fresh or processed
organic food.
l. Consumer group - are organized consumer groups patronizing and advocating organic products.
m. Food security -is the ability of the individual, household and community to produce and/or access/acquire
appropriate, abundant nutritious and safe food on a regular basis using socially acceptable means.
n. Conventional - means any material, production or processing practice that is not certified organic or organic "in
conversion".
o. Labelling - refers to any written, printed or graphic matter that is present on the label, accompanies the food,
or is displayed near the food including that for the purpose of promoting its sale or disposal.
p. Organic inputs - are organic materials necessary for organic agriculture production and processing such as
seeds, plants protection and pest management products, compost fertilizers and feeds processing aids which
are used to comply with the requirements of organic agriculture standards.
q. People's Organization (POs) - are community-based organization that are either registered with Security and
Exchange Commission (SEC) or any government agency empowered by law or policy to register and/or
accredited POs and other similar group, accredited or existing but not registered with a set of by-laws adopted
through a membership assembly and duly elected officials. POs are either sectoral or multi-sectoral alliance
pursuing a common goal and established to secure benefits for their membership and articulate aims and
objectives in the general development discourse.
r. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) - are legally constituted organizations created by natural or legal
people that operate independently from any form of government.
s. Small Farmers – marginal and sub marginal farm households and/ or cultivating not more than three (3)
hectares.

SECTION 5. Coverage. This ordinance shall apply to the development and promotion of organic agriculture in the City of
Masbate and shall include, but not limited to the following:

a. Policy formulation or regulation, registration, accreditation, certification and labelling on organic agriculture;
b. Research, development and extension of appropriate, sustainable environment and gender-friendly organic
agriculture;
c. Promote and encourage the establishment of facilities, equipment and processing plants that would accelerate
the production and commercialization of organic fertilizer, plant-based pesticides, herbicides and other
appropriate farm inputs; and
d. Implementation of organic agriculture programs, projects, and activities, including the provisions and delivery
of support services with focus on the farmers and other stake holders.

Organic Agriculture Ordinance of the City of Masbate

Ordinance No. 256-2020
 ARTICLE II
STRATEGIES

SECTION 6. Conservation of Indigenous Farm Practice. Measures shall be established, by the farming communities, to
conserve and protect indigenous knowledge relating to organic agriculture, including those related to seed
conservation and propagation and the various ways in which on-farm and ex-situ mechanisms are established and
sustained.

SECTION 7. Recognition of the Role of Small Farmers and the Role of Women. The role of small farmers in promoting organic
agriculture; and the role of women in the practice of organic agriculture are hereby recognized. To this end, the
right of the said farmers as enshrined in national laws, including human rights obligation is sought to be promoted,
enhanced and fulfilled by the city and its instrumentalities while measures shall be taken by the city to comply with
its obligations towards ensured gender-fair and gender balanced development of the support mechanism to take
into account the particular needs of women, from those who are child-bearing and girls to tender age and elderly
women to farm workers.

SECTION 8. Support Services to Small Farmers. The City Government of Masbate shall support all small farmers who wish to
engage in organic agriculture, from training, production, marketing, certification and branding, value chain,
including financial management and accounting, among other necessary skills to develop an organic agriculture
product that will secure a market niche, including the practice of fair trade fair.

SECTION 9. Barangay Incentives. Each Barangay Local Government is hereby encourage to provide incentives to organic
inputs production either through reduction of amount of local taxes, fees and charges and linkages for marketing.

SECTION 10. Provision of Technical Support. The City Government of Masbate through the Office of the City Agriculturist shall
provide technical support to access production facilities and infrastructure to small farmer’s people's organization
and who wish to convert to organic agriculture or currently practicing organic agriculture or individual organic
processor.

SECTION 11. Annual Trade Fair. The City Government of Masbate through the Office of the City Agriculturist in line with the
yearly’s City Agriculture Trade-Fair shall hold an Annual Organic Agriculture Harvest Festival that will recognize the
organic produce, the best organic farmer and organization that practice organic agriculture to encourage farmers
on the said practice.

SECTION 12. Conversion into Organic Agriculture. The City Government shall support small farmers who wish to convert to
organic agriculture through:

1. Conduct of training on organic agriculture;

2. Seed distribution for vegetables, fruits, rice and corn that are not dependant to synthetic pesticides and
fertilizers for small farmers; and
3. Facilities and resources that the farmer may need while converting to organic farming.

SECTION 13. Establishment of stall for the retail of organic products. The City Government of Masbate shall establish dedicated
stalls in the public markets and organize a weekend market for the promotion of organic products.

SECTION 14. Establishment of Organic Trading Post. The City Government of Masbate shall establish a trading post for organic
products and organic farm inputs as per agreement with organic agriculture producers and consumers.

ARTICLE III
IMPLEMENTION MECHANISM

SECTION 15. Creation of the City of Masbate Local Organic Agriculture Board (CMLOAB). Pursuant to Section 14 of the Organic
Agriculture Act of 2010, a Local Organic Agriculture Board shall be created in the City of Masbate.

SECTION 16. Functions of the City of Masbate Local Organic Agriculture Board (CMLOAB). The following are the functions of the
CMLOAB:

a. Enforce the implementation of the Republic Act 10068 known as "Organic Agriculture Act of 2010".
b. Review, consolidated and endorse Local Organic Agriculture Program to the National Organic Agriculture
Board (NOAB).
c. Review and recommend the project proposal pertaining to organic agriculture.
d. Formulate policies, programs and projects to develop and promote organic agriculture production, processing
and trade.
e. Oversee the implementation of the organic agriculture program.

Organic Agriculture Ordinance of the City of Masbate

Ordinance No. 256-2020
 f. Identify sources of financing to implement organic agriculture for the benefits of all stakeholders in the City of
Masbate.
g. Coordinate and seek assistance from BAFS/DA Regional Field Office to implement activities in line with
Organic Agriculture Program in the City of Masbate.
h. Perform such other functions as may be necessary for the realization of the City Organic Agriculture Program.

SECTION 17. Composition of the City of Masbate Local Organic Agriculture Board (CMLOAB). The following are the composition
of the (CMLOAB):

Chairman - City Mayor

Vice-Chairman - Sanggunian Panlungsod Member,
Chair, Committee on Agriculture and Fishery
Members:
City Agriculturist
City Environment and Natural Resources Officer
City Planning and Development Coordinator
DepEd, City School Division Superintendent
DOST, Representative
Department of Agriculture, Representative
City Nutrition Officer
City Agriculture and Fishery Council Chairperson
DTI Representative
City Organic Practitioner, Representative
Representative of POs advocating on Organic Agriculture
Representative of NGOs advocating on Organic Agriculture

SECTION 18. Funds. To ensure the effectiveness of the implementation of this ordinance, an initial amount of Two Million Pesos
(Php2,000,000.00) shall be provided in the General Fund of the City of Masbate.

SECTION 19. Penalty Clause. Any person shall be punished by imprisonment of not less than one (1) month nor more than six
(6) months, or a fine of not more than Five Thousand Pesos (PHP 5,000.00), or both, at the discretion of the court,
who, wilfully and deliberately:

a. Obstruct the development or propagation of organic agriculture, or the manufacture, production, sale or use of
organic agricultural inputs;
b. Refuses without just cause to extend the support and assistance required under this ordinance; or
c. Mislabels or claims that the product is organic when it is not in accordance with the existing standards of the
Philippine organic agriculture.
If the offender is a corporation or a juridical entity, the official who ordered or allowed the commission of the
offense shall be punished with the same penalty. If the offender is in the government service, he shall, in
addition, be dismissed from office subject to the rules and regulations set by the Civil Servioce Commission
and other related offices.

SECTION 20. Separability Clause. If any provision of this ordinance is declared invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby
shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 21. Effectivity Clause. This ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days upon its approval and after posting in three (3)
conspicuous places in this City.

ADOPTED, August 18, 2020.

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We hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing Ordinance which was duly adopted by the Sangguniang Panlungsod during its
57th Regular Session on August 18, 2020.

ALBERTO R. ABAYON DANNY A. FUNELAS

City Councilor/ Author Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

ROSEMARIE V. SALVACION RAMIL O. YANEZA ALLAN LIM ALEX D. SAN PABLO

City Councilor/ Co-Author City Councilor/ Co-Author City Councilor/ Co-Author City Councilor/ Co-Author

ATTESTED AND CERTIFIED TO BE DULY ADOPTED:

Organic Agriculture Ordinance of the City of Masbate

Ordinance No. 256-2020
 RUBY M. SANCHEZ - MORANO
Vice Mayor/ Presiding Officer

Approved on ________________
(Date)

ROWENA R. TUASON
City Mayor

Organic Agriculture Ordinance of the City of Masbate

Ordinance No. 256-2020