NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 3.^55
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of llje ' .rriiQ>
72 AUG 31 P5 -01
RliCclVliD BV:
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
URGING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND 
EXPORT PROMOTION OF THE MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA), LOCALLY
KNOWN AS "MALUNGGAY", AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article II, Section 15 of the 1987 Constitution provides that ""the State shall 
protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill health consciousness 
among them."
Moringa (Moringa oleifera), locally known as malunggay, is a common green 
vegetable that grows in practically all soil types and weather conditions in the country. 
Known as the "miracle vegetable" and "nature's medicine cabinet" by researchers and 
health professionals around the world, moringa is a powerhouse of nutritional value. 
Moringa is used as natural maternal and childcare food supplement, as well as in the 
management of different ailments such as diabetes, hypertension, aging issues, and 
other lifestyle diseases. Last October 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) has 
recognized the value of moringa in its efforts against malnutrition, promoting it as a 
low-cost health enhancer in poor countries around the world.
In addition to its nutritional value, moringa trees can also help stabilize the soil 
and reduce deforestation. As such, given the global potential of moringa, the country 
should enhance the promotion of planting moringa. There is a need to expand the local


and foreign market of moringa and its products to enhance the agribusiness potential 
of the crop as part of the country's poverty-alleviation and health care program. The 
development of a moringa-based agro-industry can help address the nutritional 
deficiency problems in the countryside and urban slums, increase on-farm, off-farm 
and non-farm enterprise incomes, improve the utilization of idle lands and urban 
spaces, and help reduce poverty.
Given the abovementioned circumstances, the immediate passage of this bill is 
necessary.
IMEE R. MARCOS


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No.
255
of tl)C
‘22 AUG 31 P5 :01
RtCEiVED BY.
Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS
AN ACT
URGING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND 
EXPORT PROMOTION OF THE MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA)r LOCALLY 
KNOWN AS "MALUNGGAY", AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Moringa Development
Act."
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
develop and promote a globally competitive moringa Industry with the objective of 
increasing moringa farmers, income, addressing the nutritional and health needs of our 
people, and encouraging trade and industry.
SEC. 3. Development of Moringa. - The Department of Agriculture (DA), in 
consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), 
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), moringa growers' cooperatives and 
organizations, local government units, and the private sector, shall formulate a one- 
year framework to be validated and updated annually. Such framework shall serve as 
guide to the formulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects for the 
production, marketing, processing and distribution of moringa for food and commercial 
needs, as envisioned in this Act. The framework shall likewise provide for the following:
a. National Framework - The DA, DOST, state universities and colleges (SUCs) 
and other stakeholders shall strengthen the conduct of researches on 
moringa particularly on areas of crop improvement, crop protection.


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harvesting and postharvest handling, supply chain analysis, marketing and 
promotion;
b. Investment Promotion and Facilitation - The DA and DTI shall develop 
programs establishing links between stakeholders in the moringa industry 
and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) and other financial 
cooperatives. The DA and DTI shall likewise develop and implement 
programs that would establish reasonable and innovative investment 
incentives to attract more players in the moringa industry;
c. Export Promotion Support - An integrated and strategic export promotion 
program for moringa industry shall be created. The export promotion 
program shall be responsive to market conditions, needs of the exporters, 
and possibilities offered by new products and technologies. It shall likewise 
provide foreign trade and export promotion activities through trainings, 
technical assistance, capacity building, generating awareness on export 
opportunities, and export planning assistance;
d. Strengthen Trade Policies and Support Network-The DA shall be responsible 
in coordinating a consultative approach for the various stages of the trade 
policy making process. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall lead 
the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) to provide a competitive 
environment for moringa exports abroad; and
e. Monitoring and Evaluation - The DA shall continuously monitor, track, and 
analyze the progress and outcomes of the programs to be implemented to 
determine over-all effectiveness.
SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be 
included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such funds as 
may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the 
succeeding annual GAA.
SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, orders and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.


SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If for any reason any part or provision of this Act 
shall be deemed unconstitutional or Invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof shall 
not be affected and shall remain in force and effect.
Sec. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,