(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed bills aimed at improving agriculture, tourism and education.

These are the amendments to the Agricultural Pricing Law (RA 12078), Value Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Nonresident Tourists (RA 12079), and the Basic Law on Promotion of mental health and well-being (RA 12080).

Malacañang said Republic Act (RA) 12078 “is a crucial response to the country’s rice shortage.” It amends the Agricultural Tariffication Law to extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for six years, with an increased budget of P30 billion.

ALL DONE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. holds a copy of one of the measures he signed into law on December 9, 2024. The President signed the amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act, Value Added Tax Reimbursement (VAT) for non-residents, and the promotion of mental health and basic well-being during a ceremony in Malacañang. PPA/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ SWIMMING POOL

“Through the RCEF, we have been able to invest in high quality seeds, mechanization and training of our farmers, ensuring they are equipped with the appropriate skills and tools to increase productivity. With the expiration of the original six-year plan “RCEF was fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to expand and strengthen the program,” Marcos said.

“This will allow us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed and making the rice industry even more competitive,” he added.

The additional funding is intended to support priority projects such as training and extension services, financial assistance to rice farmers plowing up to two hectares of land, extension of rice credit assistance, composting facilities biodegradable waste, pest and disease management, improving soil health, agriculture. programs to support contract farming and the establishment of solar-powered irrigation systems.

RA 12078 will also strengthen the regulatory function of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to strictly supervise the systems and policies of the rice industry, ensuring that rice arriving in the markets complies with quality standards and regulations.

RA 12079, meanwhile, is expected to boost the Philippines’ appeal as a premier tourist destination by allowing tourists to seek value-added tax (VAT) refund on purchases exceeding P3,000 made in from accredited stores, provided that the items are withdrawn from the market. country within 60 days.

This VAT refund program is expected to increase tourism spending by 29.8%, significantly benefiting micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

“It’s no secret that shopping has become an essential part of the travel experience, and we’re ready to capitalize on that momentum. In 2023, the Philippine tourism sector has been instrumental in our country’s economic recovery, contributing 8.6% to our country’s economic growth. the GDP. Within this significant share, shopping emerged as the second largest expenditure of inbound tourists,” the CEO said.

“It is with this in mind that we are introducing a VAT rebate program for non-resident tourists, designed not only to stimulate more spending but also to promote the Philippines as the world’s leading shopping destination,” he said. he added.

He also directed the Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) to develop rules and regulations that would streamline the VAT refund process.

Finally, RA 12080 mandates comprehensive mental health programs in all public and private basic education institutions to promote awareness and prevent suicide. It includes the creation of school-based care centers for mental health services and a mental health and wellness office in each school division to oversee its implementation.

The new law aims to institutionalize mental health and wellness programs both for basic education learners and for teaching and non-teaching staff in public and private schools, ensuring that students and teachers are emotionally and mentally “equipped to excel” while facing modern challenges.

“When our learners and school staff are mentally healthy, academic achievement improves, absenteeism decreases and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes. Beyond being a protection for our youth and school staff, this law is also an investment in the intellectual, emotional, and social future and development of our nation,” the President said.

Care centers will be established in each public basic education school, led by a school counselor and assisted by associate school counselors who will offer counseling and stress management workshops and implement programs that will help reduce the mental health stigma.

Marcos said the new laws “have the power to reshape our economy, improve the welfare of our farmers, and ensure the mental and physical health of our young Filipinos.”

Senate President Francis Escudero said the VAT refund mechanism for non-resident travelers is a long-awaited initiative that the Philippines needs to attract more foreign tourists.

The senator noted that on average, a foreign tourist spends about P120,000 during a visit to the country, “which gives a boost to local entrepreneurs and the local economy.”

Refunding VAT on goods purchased by tourists “is something that many countries around the world have been doing for years,” Escudero said in a statement.

“The tourism sector is a consistent contributor to our economy, so an increase in arrivals would boost our GDP (gross domestic product) and generate more employment for our population,” he said.

Tourist arrivals in the Philippines have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, he said. But these figures have gradually increased in recent years.

The tourism sector employed 6.21 million Filipinos last year, accounting for 13 percent of the workforce, but still below the 7.06 million mark before Covid-19 struck.

“By offering VAT refunds to tourists, there is reason to be optimistic about our ability to attract more visitors to come to the Philippines and help us compete with our Asian neighbors and even the world by becoming a destination of choice for travelers,” he said. said.

“Tourism has strong potential for continued growth and when more tourists enter the country, it will lead to the creation of more jobs for our population,” Escudero said. “What is crucial is the effectiveness of the law enforcement process, particularly in handling complaints from tourists. Otherwise, it will not produce the desired results.”

Senate Bill (SB) 2415 was authored and sponsored by Senate Ways and Means Committee Chairman Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, with Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada as co-author.

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco welcomed the adoption of the VAT Refund for Tourists law.

“By allowing tourists to enjoy tax rebates on their purchases, we are sending a strong message that the Philippines is ready to embrace global standards while supporting local industries and businesses,” Frasco said in a statement Monday.

“This law is more than an economic incentive; it is an invitation for the world to discover the creativity, know-how and hospitality that make our nation unique,” ​​she added.

On September 23, 2024, the Senate passed SB 2415, which was subsequently passed by the House of Representatives as an amendment to House Bill 7292 on September 24.

“Shopping remains a key driver of tourism activity, and this VAT refund system is expected to further increase the country’s attractiveness,” Frasco said.

“This will directly benefit micro, small and medium enterprises, create jobs and boost economic growth,” she added.

President Martin Romualdez welcomed the enactment of the amended agricultural pricing law.

WITH BERNADETTE E. TAMAYO, MOISES CRUZ, REINA C. TOLENTINO