Photo credit: PCO

In a ceremony at Malacañang Palace on December 9, 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. officially signed into law three legislative measures designed to address some of the country’s most pressing needs—agriculture, tourism, and mental health support for students. Here’s a quick breakdown of what these new laws mean for everyday Filipinos.

Boosting Rice Supply with the Agricultural Tariffication Act Amendments

First up, Republic Act No. 12078, or the “Amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act”, tackles the country’s rice supply challenges head-on. With the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) extended for six more years, its budget will get a hefty boost to PhP30 billion.

What does this mean for farmers and consumers? The law empowers the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the President with price stabilization tools while enhancing programs like:

• Access to modern farming equipment

• Seed development and training for farmers

• Low-interest credit options

• Soil health improvements and pest management initiatives

Farmers can also expect support for composting facilities, solar irrigation systems, and better resources to strengthen the rice sector. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the country’s rice production and make prices more stable for Filipino families.

Tourist Shopping Just Got Better with VAT Refunds

Next is Republic Act No. 12079, or the “Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists”. This law is a game-changer for tourism, as it allows international tourists to get VAT refunds on purchases exceeding PhP3,000 at accredited stores—provided they take the goods out of the country within 60 days.

Why is this important? For one, it makes the Philippines an even more attractive shopping destination, aligning with the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) National Tourism Development Plan for 2023-2028. The VAT refund scheme is projected to boost tourist spending by nearly 30%, giving a much-needed lift to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

To make it all work, the Department of Finance (DOF), together with other agencies, will hammer out the details within 90 days.

Prioritizing Mental Health in Schools

Finally, the President signed Republic Act No. 12080, or the “Basic Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act”. This law puts mental health front and center in all public and private basic education institutions across the country.

Here’s what it aims to achieve:

• Comprehensive mental health programs to raise awareness and prevent issues like suicide

•The establishment of Care Centers in schools for mental health services

• Creation of a Mental Health and Well-Being Office in each school division to oversee the programs

To make this happen, new school counselor positions will be created through collaboration between the Department of Education (DepEd), the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).

Why These Laws Matter

President Marcos Jr.’s signing of these three measures highlights his administration’s focus on tackling critical issues that impact Filipino families—ensuring food security, boosting the economy through tourism, and supporting the mental health needs of young learners. Whether you’re a farmer, a tourist, or a student, these new laws are designed to improve lives and strengthen the country’s future.