Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. ____ 
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS ENCISO VIII 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
It is high time that this country fully utilizes natural resources that it has been always been 
blessed with. For instance, the geography and topography of the country make it one of the 
most conducive places for bamboo growth and cultivation. It is home to 62 species of bamboo, 
21 of which are endemic. The country also exported bamboo worth $10 million in 2014. 
A quick survey of the Filipino way of life would show how deeply ingrained bamboo is in our 
culture and industries. While bamboo is a popular material for local handicraft items and 
ornaments, it has numerous functional and traditional uses. Bamboo is a major product in 
construction. It serves as a cheap and reliable substitute to common timber. It could be found 
in most lakes and other bodies of water as primary material for fish corrals. The agriculture 
industry also benefits from bamboo not only as a direct food source, but also as banana props. 
Traditionally, it is even used in cooking, in music, and even fighting. Even Filipino mythology 
and literature feature bamboo. Such is only testament to the popularity and abundance of 
bamboo plants in the country which now begs the question - how come has bamboo remained 
underutilized and understudied? 
It is unfortunate that the country does not have a national agency in charge of truly maximizing 
the potential of bamboo to contribute to its economy. In line with this, the bill proposes the 
creation of a Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) tasked to provide the 
overall policy and program directions, and coordinate the activities of government bodies to 
ensure the success of a Bamboo Industry Roadmap (BIR). This BIR shall design programs 
and projects for the scientific propagation, development and management, processing, 
utilization, business development, and commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo 
products. 
In 2000, the total value of exports worldwide was almost $100 million with only a few countries 
sharing the pie. China exported almost $25 million followed by Indonesia and Vietnam. Even 
Hong Kong and Singapore are recognized bamboo marketers and exporters. Meanwhile, 
bamboo production has dwindled in the country. At present, there is very little research and 
monitoring on the status of bamboo cultivation and trade in the Philippines. Globally, only the 
advanced bamboo exporters endeavored to establish sophisticated means of advancing their 
bamboo industries. 
July 4, 2022
2:25 pm
1096


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Through the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act of 2017, the government shall 
formulate guidelines for massive bamboo reforestation projects, compelling educational 
campaigns, and adequate technology transfer mechanisms. It shall also explore the provision 
of support services and incentives to bamboo farmers and exporters, among others. The 
government shall also undertake research to diversify the uses of bamboo, thus strengthening 
its marketability. 
In light of the foregoing, it is humbly requested that this bill be passed to give this poor man's 
timber the priority and attention it has long deserved.  
LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR. 
 MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE 
TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. HORIBATA 
NICOLAS ENCISO VIII 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 1096
Introduced by HON. LUIS RAYMUND “LRAY” F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.,  
HON. MIGUEL LUIS R. VILLAFUERTE, HON. TSUYOSHI ANTHONY G. 
HORIBATA AND HON. NICOLAS ENCISO VIII 
AN ACT  
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY BY 
STRENGTHENING  THE  PHILIPPINE  BAMBOO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT 
COUNCIL, CREATING THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND 
DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR BAMBOO 
PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. − This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Bamboo Industry 
Development Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to promote and 
support industries that generate employment especially in the rural areas, reduce 
poverty, foster a sustainable environment, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 
It shall also be the policy of the State to foster a self-reliant and independent 
economy that supports indigenous, scientific and technological capabilities, and skills. 
To this end, the State shall recognize the strategic importance of the bamboo as a 
sturdy, versatile, and replenishable material that can be a sustainable source of 
livelihood and catalyst for agricultural productivity.   
The State shall likewise ensure the integrated and continuous development of 
the Philippine bamboo industry through policies and programs that encourage the 


 
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planting of bamboo, accelerate the development of bamboo-based products and 
designs, and promote Philippine bamboo products in international markets. It shall 
establish a program for a sustainable utilization, propagation and promotion of bamboo 
as furniture, food, construction and design material, and other uses. 
 
SECTION 3. The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program (PBIDP. – 
The PBIDC shall formulate the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program 
which shall include programs and projects for the scientific propagation, development 
and 
management, 
processing, 
utilization, 
business 
development, 
and 
commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo products, through the 
cooperation of all stakeholders of the industry that include producers of raw materials, 
processors, marketing and promotion service providers, and concerned national 
agencies and local government units (LGUs). 
 
SECTION 4. Objectives of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development 
Program. – The PBIDP shall aim to make the Philippine bamboo industry competitive 
in the local and global markets and provide opportunities for local employment and the 
establishment of bamboo-based community enterprises. The PBIDP shall: 
(a) Ensure that the bamboo industry has sufficient quality raw materials 
through the establishment and management of bamboo nurseries and 
plantations;   
(b) Ensure that the bamboo industry continuously receives from the research 
and development sector relevant technologies and new products;  
(c) Ensure that the industry receives pertinent and accurate data from the 
PBIDC upon which the industry can make business decisions;  
(d) Promote investment in the bamboo industry by establishing bamboo 
plantations and bamboo processing operations, and providing substantial 
incentives to investors;  
(e) Provide skilled labor and manpower through continuous relevant capacity 
building;  
(f) Provide continuous training and capacity building in the bamboo industry 
development;                                                    
(g) Ensure provision of locally manufactured machines of improved capacity 
and quality at competitive costs;  


 
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(h) Ensure markets of bamboo products locally and globally; and   
(i) Ensure sustainable resources for implementing the bamboo industry 
development program. 
 
SECTION 5. Role of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council 
(PBIDC). – The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC), created 
under Executive Order No. 879, series of 2010, hereinafter referred to as the Council 
shall provide the overall policy and program directions of various agencies and 
instrumentalities to ensure the implementation of the Philippine Bamboo Industry 
Development Program (PBIDP).   
  
The Council shall be administratively attached to the Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI) and shall now be composed of the following: 
a) Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as Chairperson;  
b) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 
(DENR);  
c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA);  
d) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd);  
e) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);  
f) 
Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);  
g) Executive Director of the Bamboo Industry Research and Development 
Center;  
h) Chairperson of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples;  
i) 
National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines;   
j) 
Executive Director of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines;  
k) Two (2) Representatives from Non-Government Organizations;   
l) 
One Representative from a reputable private industry association; and  
m) One Representative each from the Bamboo Farmers, the Bamboo 
Manufacturers, and the Bamboo Processors’ Associations.   
  
The PBIDC shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the 
attainment of the objectives of this Act. 
 


 
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SECTION 6. Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center (BIRDC). − The 
Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center, hereinafter referred to as the 
Center, is hereby created to serve as the secretariat of the Council to be headed by 
an Executive Director. The Center shall consist of divisions as may be necessary to 
ensure the effective implementation of the goals and objectives of the Center, 
including the following functions: research and development; trade promotion and 
education; networking and linkages; internal administration and finance; and such 
other divisions as may be necessary.   
  
The organizational structure, staffing pattern and compensation schedule of the 
Center shall be prepared in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. Other 
member agencies of the Council shall provide additional administrative and technical 
staff support to the Center upon the determination by the Council of the necessity for 
such augmentation.  
  
The Center shall perform the following powers and functions:  
a) Promote and encourage the establishment and management of bamboo 
nurseries, plantations and processing facilities that would accelerate the 
production and commercialization of bamboo and various bamboo 
products;  
b) Promote the commercialization and market access of appropriate, 
innovative and viable bamboo industry development technologies and 
products;  
c) Monitor and evaluate the performance of bamboo industry development 
programs   and projects;  
d) Coordinate and partner with other government agencies in the 
implementation of bamboo industry development programs and projects;  
e) Coordinate and partner with the private sector, people's organizations and 
nongovernmental organizations, and the academe in providing assistance 
on matters pertaining to bamboo industry development;  
f) 
Accept grants, donations and contributions from local and international 
donors and such similar sources of funds for the implementation of the 
provisions of this Act, subject to the usual budget, accounting and auditing 
rules and regulations;  


 
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g) Conduct capability-building initiatives for farmers, processors, designers, 
and other stakeholders in the bamboo industry;  
h) Conduct research and development in partnership with appropriate 
government 
agencies 
to 
advance 
sustainable 
bamboo 
industry 
development practices;  
i) 
Supervise the implementation of the plans and programs of the Council;  
j) 
Manage and administer the projects identified by the Council;   
k) Conduct, in cooperation or partnership with appropriate government 
agencies, a periodic review of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development 
Roadmap; and  
l) 
Submit periodic reports to the Council on the progress and accomplishment 
of programs and projects. 
 
SECTION 7. The Executive Director of the Center. – The Executive Director shall 
be appointed by the Chairperson of the PBIDC with the approval of the Council. The 
Executive Director shall be a citizen and resident of the Philippines and must possess 
executive and management experience of at least three (3) years, and considerable 
knowledge about the bamboo industry.  
  
In addition, the Executive Director shall have the following powers and functions: 
a) Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center; 
b) Provide technical and administrative support to the Council; 
c) Assist the Council in the performance of its tasks; and  
d) Perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be 
necessary to implement this Act. 
 
SECTION 8. Support to the Program by Local Government Units. − Local 
government units (LGUs) shall participate in the implementation of the PBIDP.  Each 
LGU shall establish a Bamboo Industry Development Council and shall endeavor to 
capacitate agricultural workers and encourage entrepreneurs to acquire the needed 
competencies in harvesting and post-harvesting operations. 
 
Provincial governments shall formulate and implement their respective bamboo 
industry development programs within two (2) years from the enactment of this law. 


 
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SECTION 9. Incentives for bamboo in plantation development. – The following 
incentives shall be provided to investors in bamboo plantation development:   
a) Exemption from the payment of rent for the use of government lands for 
commercial bamboo plantation for the first five (5) years of operation 
reckoned from the date of the first harvest of the plantation;  
b) Exemption of private plantations from the requirements to secure a cutting 
permit for the harvesting of bamboo and a transport permit for as long as the 
plantation is registered with the Community Environment and Natural 
Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR: Provided, that the plantation owner 
shall inform the CENRO about the date of harvest, and the estimated volume 
that of the harvest. Inventory of the plantation prior to harvest shall not be 
required. All CENROs shall approve and enter into a registry, the names of 
private bamboo plantation investors;  
c) Exemption from the payment of forest charges and other fees for taxes that 
local government units may impose;  
d) No inspection of harvested bamboo at check points;  
e) Access to development loans from public financial institutions for plantation 
developers;   
f) 
Insurance coverage of plantations and plantation development equipment by 
the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC);  
g) Tax free importation of plantation development equipment, including tree 
nursery facilities, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as 
the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA);  
h) Expenses incurred for plantation operations shall be allowed as deductible 
expenses for income tax purposes, subject to the provisions of the National 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended: Provided, that the deduction 
shall only apply to the Taxable Period when the expenses were incurred;  
i) 
Expenses incurred in the development and operation of a bamboo plantation 
prior to the commercial harvest shall be regarded as ordinary and necessary 
expenses or as capital expenditure;  
j) 
Prioritized access for plantation developers to credit assistance from 
government-owned, controlled and/or supported financial institutions;  


 
9
k) Acceptance of plantation as collateral for loans in government owned or 
controlled banks;  
l) 
For tenured developer, entitlement to fair compensation upon the premature 
termination of the agreement at no fault of the holder: Provided, that all 
depreciable permanent and semi-permanent improvements such as roads, 
buildings, and nurseries including the planted and standing trees and other 
forest crops introduced and retained in the area, shall be properly evaluated: 
Provided further, that  the amount of  compensation shall be mutually agreed 
upon by both the Department and the tenure-holder: Provided finally, that  in 
case of disagreement between them, the matter shall be submitted to 
arbitration by a mutually acceptable and impartial third party adjudicator;  
m) Exportation of bamboo culms from plantation without restrictions in volume;  
n) Tax free importation of processing equipment by processors engaged in 
bamboo industry, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as 
the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); and   
o) Inclusion in the annual investment program of the National Economic 
Development Authority of industrial bamboo plantations in forest lands and 
priority access to funds from external and internal sources. 
 
SECTION 10. Appropriations. − The funds necessary to carry out the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s budget of the 
DTI. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of 
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.  
  
SECTION 11.  Implementing Rules and Regulations. − Within sixty (60) days after 
the effectivity of this Act, the DTI-PBIDC shall, in coordination with the DENR, and 
DOST      promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.    
  
SECTION 12. Separability Clause. − If any provision of this Act or part hereof is 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such 
declaration shall remain in full force and effect.   
 


 
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SECTION 13. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive and administrative orders, 
rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
 
SECTION 14. Effectivity Clause. – This Act shall take effect in fifteen (15) days after 
publication in the Official Gazette or in one (1) newspaper of general circulation in the 
Philippines. 
 
Approved,