President Marcos began his working week by enacting a trifecta of laws in an apparent bid to make big strides towards realizing his administration’s legislative agenda before yearend.
Two of the three laws signed on Monday were geared towards helping key economic sectors become more competitive in the globalized economy, while the third aimed to put mental health care at the school system’s core.
“These three laws are not just policies—they are commitments. Commitments to the Filipino farmer, 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 President said during signing ceremonies in Malacañang.
Helping Rice Growers
Mr. Marcos signed into law amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act (ATA), to make the country’s rice industry more competitive and ensure that farmers have consistent access to essential resources.
He explained that the amendments extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increase its annual funding from P10 billion to P30 billion.
The chief executive underscored the program’s success in providing farmers with high-quality seeds, mechanization, and training, enabling them to improve productivity and sustain their livelihoods.
“With the expiration of the original six-year plan for RCEF fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to extend and strengthen the program,” Mr. Marcos said.
“This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” he added.
The additional funding will support several key projects, including training programs and extension services for farmers, financial assistance for those cultivating up to two hectares of land, and expanded credit options for rice production.
The government will also invest in composting facilities for biodegradable waste, pest and disease management initiatives, and programs to improve soil health and contract farming systems. Solar-powered irrigation systems will also be introduced to enhance agricultural sustainability.
The amended law strengthens the Seed and Mechanization Programs, ensuring more farmers have access to high-quality seeds and modern farming tools.
In addition to these measures, the law enhances the regulatory role of the Department of Agriculture (DA), granting it authority to monitor rice warehouses and maintain a national database for grain storage.
The DA will also be empowered to stabilize rice prices during shortages or price hikes, ensuring the staple remains affordable and accessible to Filipinos.
For his part, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel expressed optimism about the long-term effects of the expanded Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), emphasizing its potential to lower rice prices and increase domestic production through improved efficiency and investments.
“In the long run, it should bring down the price of rice. If we can produce more through the increased and extended budgets, it will be more efficient, and we will be producing more per hectare,” Laurel said.
Boosting Tourism
The President signed into law a Value-Added Tax (VAT) refund program for non-resident tourists in a bid to position the country as a premier shopping destination in Southeast Asia.
Mr. Marcos highlighted the significant contribution of the tourism sector to the country’s economic recovery in 2023 when it accounted for 8.6% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
He noted that shopping was the second-largest expenditure for inbound tourists, underscoring its potential for growth.
“With this in mind, we are introducing the VAT refund program for non-resident tourists—designed not only to stimulate more spending but to promote the Philippines as a premier global shopping destination,” he said during the signing ceremony in Malacañang.
The program allows tourists to claim a VAT refund for goods purchased at accredited retail outlets, provided the goods meet a minimum transaction requirement of ₱3,000 and are taken out of the country within 60 days.
Mr. Marcos said the initiative aligns with global tourism trends, where shopping has become a significant factor in destination choice and overall travel experiences.
He emphasized the program’s potential to spotlight unique Filipino products, including Marikina shoes, handwoven textiles from northern provinces, and the iconic Filipino barong.
“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” he said.
The VAT refund initiative is expected to increase tourist spending by nearly 30%, benefiting both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Moreover, Mr. Marcos cited that tourists with positive shopping experiences are likely to return, bringing friends and family, further supporting the country’s tourism goals.
“This surge will benefit both large-scale industries and micro, small, and medium enterprises—an important pillar of our local economy,” he added.
The President urged the Department of Finance and the Bureau of Internal Revenue to craft implementing rules and regulations that ensure the VAT refund process is simple, accessible, and culturally inclusive.
For his part, Speaker Martin Romualdez said the law would be a boon to the tourism sector and domestic commerce.
“This piece of legislation will greatly boost international tourism and the sale of goods by tourist-oriented establishments,” he noted.
Youths’ Mental Health
The President also signed into law the “Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act,” which aims to institutionalize mental health programs for basic education learners and teaching and non-teaching personnel in public and private schools.
He underscored the importance of fostering emotional and mental resilience in schools, calling the initiative a step toward holistic development.
“Today, we renew our promise to every Filipino: that they will not only succeed academically but thrive holistically,” Mr. Marcos said after enacting the measure.
“Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and purpose,” he added.
The law mandates the establishment of Care Centers in all public basic education schools.
These centers, headed by School Counselors and supported by School Counselor Associates, will offer counseling services, stress management workshops, and programs to reduce mental health stigma.
Mr. Marcos stressed that prioritizing mental health benefits the entire education system by improving academic performance, reducing absenteeism, and fostering a culture of compassion and understanding.
He called schools “sanctuaries of learning and well-being.”
The chief executive also highlighted the economic implications of neglecting mental health, citing a global projection of $16 trillion in losses by 2030 due to mental health challenges.
Locally, he noted the toll on academic outcomes, burnout, and turnover rates among students and school staff. The law, he said, is an investment in the nation’s intellectual, emotional, and social future.
Meanwhile, Sen. Gatchalian, the principal author and sponsor of the school-based mental health law, said the new law covers screening, evaluation, assessment, and monitoring; mental health first aid; crisis response and referral system; mental health awareness and literacy; and emotional, developmental and preventive programs, among other support services.
“On top of experiencing what I call a ‘pandemic’ of mental health, the Philippines is also considered the bullying capital of the world. By ensuring the accessibility of mental health services, we can instill resilience in our learners, prevent suicides, and make our schools safer,” he said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Marcos signs landmark laws on agriculture, tourism, mental health.”