PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign three new laws today — the Amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act, VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists, and Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act.
The first tweaks some provisions of Republic Act 11203, also known as the Rice Tariffication Law, for the continued development of the Philippine Rice Industry. It particularly extends the implementation of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and expands its funding to P30 billion to accommodate new initiatives such as soil health improvement, pest and disease management, establishment of solar-powered irrigation projects, and composting facilities.
On the other hand, the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists aims to provide a VAT refund system that may serve as a marketing tool to attract more non-resident tourists to the country and incentivize their substantial spending, which may drive economic growth and promote the uniqueness and craftsmanship of Indigenous products in tourist destinations. This will allow foreign visitors to claim VAT refunds for buying P3,000 worth of local goods. This could improve the country’s tourism competitiveness and further revitalize the Philippine tourism industry.
Meanwhile, the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act seeks to institutionalize the mental health and well-being program for basic education learners as well as for teaching and non-teaching personnel in both public and private schools. It ensures the provision of mental health services, emotional developmental and preventive interventions and other support services and the same time, eliminates the stigma on mental health counseling.
Among those expected to attend the signing ceremony are Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio Balisacan, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, Senate President Francis Escudero, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and other government officials.
Escudero on Sunday said the inclusion of mental health and wellness promotion in basic education would enhance government efforts in preventing suicide among young students.
The law mandates comprehensive school-based mental health programs for all public and private basic education institutions, including provisions for out-of-school children in special cases. This initiative aims to promote mental health awareness, address mental health concerns and “enhance suicide prevention” efforts in schools.
“This landmark legislation will institutionalize a comprehensive school-based mental health program,” Escudero said in a statement.
It ensures that “every public and private basic education school in the Philippines has the necessary resources and support to address the mental health needs of our learners,” the senator said.
Escudero raised the importance of this legislation considering the increasing mental health challenges faced by students, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our students have endured significant disruptions to their education and daily lives in recent years,” he said. “This act will help create a supportive environment where they can thrive academically and emotionally.”
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