Group 2:
Aguilos, Egan, Ollero, Corpuz, Rafols, Villanueva
11 - Humss E
Makati High School Annex I
Republic Act No. 10068
Organic Agriculture Act of 2010
Integrative Paper
March 14, 2024
Introduction
Agriculture is a valuable and vulnerable livelihood in the Philippines,
considering the Philippines is one out of hundreds of tropical countries in the world. In
terms of occupation, being a farmer is usually mocked or looked down on and is not
really something to show off to people. When in fact, the agricultural sector, along with
fisheries and forestry sectors, provides food and raw materials for the economy,
including jobs for people in rural areas. According to the World Bank, In 2009,
agriculture had a 32% share in total employment in the Philippines. Hence, the
government recognized the importance of creating more opportunities in the agriculture
sector to improve livelihoods and made an initiative, the Organic Agriculture Act of
2010, and was signed by the former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on April 6,
2010 and was later on amended by former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on
December 23, 2020.
Rationale
Republic Act No. 10068 (the Organic Agriculture Act of 2010) was
approved to promote sustainable agricultural practices such as enriching soil fertility,
reducing environmental pollution, and ensuring the health of farmers and consumers.
The state recognized the role of grassroots in enhancing organic agriculture. Similarly,
the amendment, Republic Act No. 11511, aims to strengthen the national organic
agricultural program, promotion of organic product consumption, and enhancement of
the accessibility to certification processes. Both initiatives contribute to a healthier, more
resilient agricultural sector.
1) RA 10068 (Organic Agriculture Act of 2010):
i) Conditioning and enriching the soil: Organic practices increase
soil fertility, leading to long-term sustainability.
ii) Farm productivity and farmers’ incomes: Organic methods can
boost yields while minimizing reliance on imports from other
countries
iii) Pollution and environmental destruction reduction: Organic
farming decreases chemical use, benefiting both ecosystems and
human health.
iv) Indigenous organic farmers participation: The executive order
aims to support traditional and sustainable practices.
v) Promoting self-sufficiency: Organic agriculture contributes to
local food production and security.
The amendment seeks to strengthen the national organic agricultural program and
promote the consumption of organic products.
2) RA 11511 (Amendment to RA 10068):
i) Accessibility and affordability of certification: Making it easier
for farmers and fishermen to certify their organic produce.
ii) Educational awareness campaign: Launching a nationwide
campaign to inform consumers about the benefits of organic
products.
iii) Enhancing the existing policy: Building on the foundation laid by
RA 10068 to further advance organic agriculture in the Philippines.
Objective
The Organic Agriculture Act of 2010, also known as RA 10069, is pivotal
in advancing organic farming practices in the Philippines, with the help of Republic Act
No. 10068 together with the Republic Act No. 11511, aims to reduce pollution and
environmental destruction by reducing the use of chemical inputs, prevent natural
resource depletion through sustainable management practices, and enhance soil fertility
via organic amendments and sustainable soil management techniques.
1) Soil Fertility and Productivity Enhancement:
i) RA 10068 aims to progressively condition and enrich soil fertility.
ii) Through the advocacy of organic methods, it fosters heightened
farm productivity.
iii) Farmers who embrace organic techniques witness enhanced soil
vitality, resulting in amplified crop yields and sustainable agricultural
frameworks.
2) Environmental Safeguarding and Pollution Reduction:
i) The legislation underscores the mitigation of environmental
degradation and pollution.
ii) Organic farming steers clear of detrimental chemical additives,
thereby curbing soil and water contamination.
iii) By proscribing synthetic pesticides and fertilizers, it safeguards
ecosystems and biodiversity.
3) Resource Preservation:
i) RA 10068 tackles the depletion of natural resources.
ii) Organic farming methods prioritize the judicious utilization of
resources.
iii) Practices such as crop rotation, cover cropping, and composting
contribute to enduring sustainability.
4) Health Advantages and Consumer Assurance:
i) The law champions the well-being of farmers, consumers, and the
populace at large.
ii) Organic products are devoid of synthetic substances, ensuring
safer consumption.
iii) Consumers reap the benefits of healthier alternatives, while farmers
diminish exposure to harmful agents.
iv)
5) Economic Self-Sufficiency:
i) Through the promotion of organic agriculture, the Philippines can
reduce dependency on imported agricultural inputs.
ii) Diminished reliance on costly external resources bolsters economic
steadiness.
iii) The legislation aligns with the objective of attaining food
self-sufficiency by fostering local production.
6) Indigenous Involvement and Sustainable Methodologies:
i) RA 10068 encourages the engagement of indigenous organic
farmers.
ii) Indigenous wisdom and sustainable practices are valued and
integrated.
iii) Community-oriented approaches empower local farmers to
embrace organic methodologies.
By advocating for these measures, the Republic Act No. 10068 not only promotes
environmental sustainability but also fosters healthier ecosystems, resilient agricultural
systems, and ultimately, a more sustainable future for the Philippines.
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References:
Congress of the Philippines. (2010, June 18). R.A. No. 10068. The Lawphil Project -
Arellano Law Foundation, Inc.
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2010/ra_10068_2010.html
Parrocha, A. (2021, January 5). Bill amending Organic Agriculture Act of 2010.
AgriPortal.
https://agriportal.ph/bill-amending-organic-agriculture-act-of-2010-signed-into-law/
Pedro, M. S. (2022, December 28). Here’s how the newly signed RA 11511 will help
organic farmers and fisherfolk. F&B Report Magazine.
https://fnbreport.ph/15391/ra-11511-to-help-organic-farmers-and-fisherfolk/
Valente, C. S., & TMT. (2021, January 5). Duterte signs law amending 2010 organic
agriculture act. The Manila Times.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/01/05/latest-stories/breakingnews/duterte-signs-law-
amending-2010-organic-agriculture-act/822998
World Bank. (2024). Employment in Agriculture - Philippines. World Bank Open Data.
https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.AGR.EMPL.ZS?locations=PH
