Republic of the Philippines

RECEIV
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 4 JUL

DATE:
Queson City Tm:
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS BY:

First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ED

REGISTRATION UNIT
BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE

HOUSE BILLNO, 967 a

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite the need to provide for increasing local demand for rice, local rice
farmers and producers are also able to tap a huge export market for certain varieties
of rice, particularly that of the aromatic and fancy kind, which are highly favored
intemationally in making specialty rice cuisine.

Whereas, in the past exportation of rice has been severely regulated, there
have arisen opportunities to earn and establish ourselves in the international market
for specialty rice that warrant a change of policy. The growing popularity of aromatic
rice dishes, not only in Asia and the Middle East but also in the United States,
Canada and Europe, has sparked demand for the Jasmine rice of Thailand, the
Basmati varieties of India and Pakistan, and other varieties and grades which
provide a natural aroma when cooked, such as those already locally developed.

By supporting local production of such aromatic and fancy rice varieties and
authorizing their exportation, the National Government can help set the Philippines
again as a major player in the international rice market.

Considering the merits of this bill, its early approval is eamestly requested.

A f

Lu \YMUND F. VILLAFUERTE JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNO. 967

Introduced by HONORABLE LUIS RAYMUND F. VILLAFUERTE JR.

AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC RICE AND FANCY
RICE VARIETIES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPORTATION THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy, that
whereas the country is striving to attain self-sufficiency in rice production in the
ordinary, hybrid and other varieties of rice for domestic consumption, it is important
and critical that we open up opportunities for the production and exportation of
aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties which command a premium in the world
market

The provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, the National
Food Authority is hereby empowered to directly export, or through accredited export
producers and traders, aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties, preferably those
organically grown, as these are in high demand in international markets

SECTION 2. Aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties for export. The
aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties that may be authorized for export under this Act
shall include: Sinampaguita; Denorado; Milagrosa; Sinandomeng; Maligaya
Selection 3, 6 and 8; College # 22; UPLB Rice # 5 and 7 and such other varieties as
the National Food Authority may determine, after production trials and market
analysis, and thereby declared to be marketable for export.

SECTION 3. Means of support. The National Food Authority shall
encourage the production of such identified aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties
through direct technical assistance, funding support, stand-by purchase


commitments, or in cooperation with government or private sector institutions,
formulate and implement production and export programs for such varieties of rice

SECTION 4. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its
approval

Approved,