On Monday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed three laws that extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), establish a VAT refund system for foreign tourists, and institutionalize mental health and well-being programs in schools.
Republic Act No. 12078, also known as the Agricultural Tariffication Act, mandates the extension of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) until 2031 and increases its annual funding from PHP 10 billion to PHP 30 billion.
The measure is an urgent response to recurring rice supply shortages in the country, implementing mechanisms for declaring localized or nationwide food security emergencies, as well as interventions to regulate prices and ensure supply stability.
In his speech, Marcos stated that the law will empower the government to do more for farmers, ensuring they have the resources necessary to succeed and enhance the competitiveness of the country’s rice industry.
The new law will also bolster the regulatory role of the Department of Agriculture (DA), enabling it to closely monitor the rice industry’s systems and policies, ensuring that rice reaching the markets complies with quality standards and regulations.
Meanwhile, the second law signed by Marcos is the Republic Act (RA) 12079, or the VAT Refund for Non-Resident Tourists Act, which establishes a VAT refund mechanism for foreign visitors.
Tourists can now claim a VAT refund for goods bought at accredited retail outlets, provided the items are taken out of the country within 60 days and the total purchase amounts to at least PHP 3,000.
The refund system is expected to serve as a marketing tool to attract more non-resident tourists to the country, while incentivizing their spending.
This could drive economic growth and promote the uniqueness and craftsmanship of indigenous products and communities in local tourist destinations.
“These products tell our stories, and now, with the VAT refund, they will be able to be more accessible to global consumers, elevating once again our stature in the global market,” Marcos said.
The last law signed is the Basic Education Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act, designed to institutionalize mental health programs for both students and school personnel in public and private schools.
"Together, we envision a Philippines where mental health is prioritized alongside education, fostering a generation equipped to lead with resilience, compassion, and with purpose,” said Marcos.
"When our learners and school personnel are mentally healthy, academic performance improves, absenteeism decreases, and a culture of compassion and understanding flourishes," he added.
It further strengthens mental health services in basic education. It mandates the development of school-based mental health programs, the establishment of mental health and well-being offices and care centers in school divisions, and the creation of new plantilla positions for school counselors.
The newly enacted law ensures the provision of mental health services, emotional development, and preventive interventions, as well as other support services. It also aims to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health counseling.
