Ceremonial Hall, Malacañan Palace
December 9, 2024

“Today, we are here to talk about three measures that have the power to reshape our economy, improve the welfare of our farmers, and ensure the mental and physical health of our youth,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stated during the ceremonial signing of three (3) landmark laws aimed at enhancing the country’s economic and social landscape.

“The Act Amending the Agricultural Tariffication Act and the Value-Added Tax Refund for Non-Resident Tourists Act are designed to unlock the full potential of our agriculture and tourism sectors, while the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act prioritize the mental health and well-being of our learners, the future drivers of our country’s growth,” President Marcos Jr. continued in his keynote message.

According to the Chief Executive, the amendment to the Agricultural Tariffication Act is designed to bolster the agricultural sector, which remains a vital part of the Philippine economy. Highlighting the need for modernization, the legislation seeks to extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031, increasing its annual budget from PhP10 billion to PhP30 billion. This significant funding boost will facilitate investments in high-quality seeds, mechanization and farmer training programs.

“This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources that they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” he said, noting how the Law will provide enhanced support for the Seed Program and the Mechanization Program, ensuring that more farmers will have access to high-quality seeds which will boost their yields and reduce post-harvest losses.

“By preventing up to 375,000 tons of milled rice from being wasted annually, we can help feed an additional 3.4 million Filipinos each year for the next six years — improving food security and making rice more accessible to everyone,” he added.

“Above all, this law empowers our farmers to thrive and to help our country secure a stable food supply. By increasing investments in agriculture, providing more resources, and creating a more competitive rice industry, we are laying the groundwork for a stronger, more self-sufficient Philippines,” he stated.

On Republic Act No. 12079, otherwise known as the ‘Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists Act,’ the Law positions the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination, allowing visitors to reclaim VAT on purchases made at accredited retail outlets, provided they spend a minimum of PhP3,000 and export the goods within 60 days.

“This initiative opens a new chapter in our tourism landscape, allowing the country to compete with other tourism markets that attract tourists who are eager to take home authentic, high-quality Filipino products,” he said.
Furthermore, this measure would help promote the country’s signature products, such as the Marikina shoes, the intricate handwoven textiles from the northern provinces and the timeless craftsmanship of Filipino barongs. He projected that the economic impact would be substantial at an almost 30% increase in tourist spending that would benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” he said.

Meanwhile, Republic Act No. 12080 or the ‘Basic Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act’ will address the growing mental health concerns among the youth, citing that 17% have contemplated taking their own lives, yet less than one (1) percent sought professional help. This Law aims to bridge that gap by embedding mental health services directly into schools that would serve as the nation’s first line of defense against mental health issues.

“Through this Act, schools will become sanctuaries of learning and of well-being,” he said, adding that the care centers will provide counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs to reduce stigma around mental health, as well as empower teaching and non-teaching personnel to support students while safeguarding their well-being.

“Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion and with purpose,” he said.

Concluding his remarks, President Marcos Jr. called for everyone’s support for the effective implementation of these measures. “Let us safeguard and empower our farmers, uplift our tourism industry, and provide mental health support,” he urged them.

“These three laws are not just policies — they are commitments. Commitments to the Filipino farmer, commitment to the Filipino worker, the Filipino entrepreneur, the Filipino learner, and to every single citizen who dreams of a brighter, more resilient, and more progressive Bagong Pilipinas,” the Chief Executive said in closing his message.

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