NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Sessicm 
)
SENATE 
s. No. 1118
of tl’r fen'ctsrr
‘22 AUG-9 P5 ’44
RIXEIVlDBV
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
A IW/IAA'U' I li'^Vjr 1 ItlLi 1/V ShluXJL l>'AlLi'i< 1
A' 111 Vj A>/\!»1 I>VAV/ Ai'l AJf ail? a AV a AAA
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
EXPLANATORY NOTE
The use and promotion of bamboo have long been touted as a climate change 
and disaster resilience tool. Bamboo is essential in climate change mitigation as it 
absorbs more carbon dioxide and releases more oxygen in the atmosphere than trees. 
It also provides a low-carbon alternative to materials including timber, cement, and 
steel.
Bamboo is also considered resilient. Its extensive use applies to food, 
construction of houses, transport, furniture and fixtures, clothing, health products, 
creative arts, and bioenergy.
The local and global bamboo industry is aligned with several UN Sustainable 
Development Goals, such as affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic 
growth, sustainable cities and communities, and climate action.1
1 https://www.climate.gov.ph/news/595


In 2020, the Department of Trade and Industiy (DTI) reported that it had 
provided 125 Shared Service FaciHties (SSF) to MSMEs engaged in the bamboo agri­
business and the manufacturing of bamboo-based products. However, the local 
supply of bamboo is not sufficient. There is a need to increase the plantation of 
bamboo to meet the demand.2 Propagating bamboo can further create green jobs, 
resilient enterprises, and sustainable livelihoods for people in rural areas.
In sum, bamboo can restore degraded land, mitigate climate change, empower 
indigenous and grassroots communities, preserve cultural heritage, and alleviate 
poverty.
Sti'essing the great potential of the Phihppine bamboo industry in 
environmental protection and socio-economic development, the bamboo industry 
warrants protection through natural capital accounting and reforestation and 
propagation of bamboo plantations. The country's bamboo sector requires fiscal and 
technical support from the government to make it more competitive in both local and 
international markets.
nv. n 
-I-r»o
J.KJ CX 
V-X I.VX, 
LXIJjO LXJLXX lXX-X^X'vO IVX J^X V^XXXX^ 
XX IV, 
VXV- V X- X VX XXXI X 
VXX XX XX. 
X X IXXX1^ 
XX XX-
t't'1
bamboo industiy through pohcies and programs that promote the planting of bamboo 
and accelerate the development of bamboo-based designs and products. In this 
regard, a Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center shall be created, which 
is tasked to ensure the effective implementation of the goals and objectives of the 
measure through research and development, tmde and propagation promotion and 
education, capacity-budding initiatives for farmers, processors, designers, and other
i"T> 4-U/t, 
r\-r\rr
j. 
J. xil CJ.LV. C4 -LX L Ky W V/ XX LVL CL2> CX y / CCAXLVyXL^ V/CXLV-XO.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
LOREN LEGARDA
https://www.dti.gov.ph/archives/news-archives/bamboo-inclustry-key/


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 1118
h.tj
T; JS'fltrr ot li'i ' '!f:ir
*22 AUG-9 P5 -44
RUCclVtD BV.
Introduced by Senator Loren B. Legarda
AN ACT
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAIMBOO 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 Republic of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Bamboo
2 
Industry Development Act"
3 
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the poHcy of the State to promote and support
4 
industries that generate employment, especially in the rural areas, reduce poverty,
5 
foster a sustainable environment and mitigate the impacts of climate change.
6 
It shall also be the policy of the State to foster a self-reHant and independent
7 
economy that supports indigenous, scientific, and technological capabilities and skills.
8 
To this end, the State shall recognize the strategic importance of bamboo as a sturdy,
9 
versatile, and replenishable material that can be a sustainable source of Hvelihood and
10 
catalyst for agricultural productivity.
11 
The State shall likewise ensure the integrated and continuous development of
12 
the Philiooinc bamboo industry through policies and programs that encourage the
13
14
15
16
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 sustainable utilization, propagation, and promotion of 
bamboo as furniture, food, construction and design material, and other uses.


1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8 
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20 
21 
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
Sec. 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 industiy that include producers of raw materials, processors, 
marketing and promotion service providers, and concerned national agencies and 
local government units (LGUs).
Sec. 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 quahty 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 industiy receives pertinent and accurate data from the PBIDC 
upon which the industiy can make business decisions;
d. Promote investment in the bamboo industry by establisliing 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;
h. Ensure markets of bamboo products locally and globally; and
i. Ensure sustainable resources for implementing the bamboo industry 
development program.
Sec. 5. Role of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC). - 
The Philippine Bamboo Industiy Development Council (PBIDC), created under


1 
Executive Order No, 879, series of 2010, hereinafter referred to as the Council, shall
2 
provide the overall policy and program directions of various agencies and
3 
instrumentalities to ensure the implementation of the Philippine Bamboo Industry
4 
Development Program (PBIDP).
5 
The Council shaU be administratively attached to the Department of Trade and
6 
Industry (DTI) and shall now be composed of the following:
7 
a) Secretary7 of the Department of Trade and Industry7 (DTI) as Chairperson;
8 
b) Secretary of tlie Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
9 
c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (D A);
10 
d) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd);
11 
e) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);
12 
f) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE);
13 
g) Executive Director of the Bamboo Industiy Research and Development Center;
14 
h) Chairperson of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples;
15 
i) National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines;
16 
j) Executive Director of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines;
17 
k) Two (2) Representatives from Non-Government Organizations;
18 
1) One representative from a reputable private industry association; and
19 
m) One representative each from the Bamboo Farmers, the Bamboo
20 
Manufacturers, and the Bamboo Processors' Associations.
21 
The PBIDC shall promulgate such rules and regulations as mmy be necessary7 for
22 
the attainment of the objective of this Act.
23 
Sec. 6. Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center (BIRDC). - The Bamboo
24 
Industry Research and Development Center hereinafter referred to as the Center, is
25 
hereby created to serve as the secretariat of the Council to be headed by an Executive
26 
Director. The Center shall consist of divisions as may be necessary to ensure the
27 
effective implementation of the goals and objectives of the Center, including the
28 
foliovviiig functions: research and development; trade promotion and education;
29 
networking and linkages; internal administration and finance; and such other
30 
divisions as may be necessary.
31 
The organizational structure, staffing pattern, and compensation schedule of the
32 
Center shaU be prepared in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.


1 
Other member agencies of the Council shall provide additional administrative and
2 
technical staff support to the Center upon the determination by the Council of the
3 
necessity for such augmentation.
4 
The Center shall perform the following powers and functions:
5 
a) Promote and encourage the establishment and management of bamboo
6 
nurseries, plantations, and processing facihties that would accelerate the
7 
production and commercialization of bamboo and various bamboo products;
8 
b) Promote the commercialization and market access of appropriate, innovative,
9 
and viable bamboo industry development technologies and products;
10 
c) Monitor and evaluate the performance of bamboo industry development
11 
programs and projects;
12 
d) Coordinate and partner with other government agencies in the implementation
13 
of bamboo industry development programs and projects;
14 
e) Coordinate and partner with the private sector, people's organizations and
15 
non-governmental organizations, and the academe in providing assistance on
16 
matters pertaining to bamboo industry development;
17 
f) Accept grants, donations, and contributions from local and international
18 
donors and such similar sources of funds for the implementation of the
19 
provisions of this Act, subject to the usual budget, accounting, and auditing
20 
mles and regulations;
21 
g) Conduct capability' building initiatives for farmers, processors, designers, and
22 
other stakeholders in the bamboo industry;
23 
h) Conduct research and development in partnership with appropriate
24 
government agencies to advance sustainable bamboo industiy development
25 
practices;
26 
i) Supervise the implementation of the plans and programs of the Council;
27 
j) Manage and administer the projects identified by the Comicil;
28 
k) Conduct, in cooperation or partnership with appropriate government agencies,
29 
a periodic review of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap;
30 
and
31 
1) Submit periodic reports to the Council on the progress and accomplishment of
32 
programs and projects.


1 
Sec. 7. The Executive Director of the Center. - The Executive Director shall be
2 
appointed by the Chaiiperson of the PBIDC shall with the approval of the Council,
3 
The Executive Director shall be a citizen and resident of the Philippines and must
4 
possess executive and management experience of at least three (3) years and
5 
considerable knowledge about the bamboo industry.
6 
In addition, the Executive Director shall have the following powers and functions:
7 
a) 0\rersee the day-to-day operations of the Center;
8 
b) Provide technical and administi ative support to the Council;
9 
c) Assist the Council in the performance of its tasks; and
10 
d) Perform such other fimctions, duties, and responsibilities as may be necessary
11 
to implement this Act.
12 
Sec. 8. Support to the Program hy Local Government Units. - Local government
13 
units (LGUs) shall participate in the implementation of the PBIDP. Each LGU shaD
14 
establish a Bamboo Industiy Development Council and endeavor to capacitate
15 
agricultural workers and encourage entrepreneurs to acquire the needed
16 
competencies in harvesting and post-harvesting operations.
17 
Provincial governments shall formulate and implement their respective bamboo
18 
industry development programs within two (2) years from the enactment of tliis law.
19 
Sec. 9. Incentives for bamboo in plantation development. The following incentives
20 
shall be provided to investors in bamboo plantation development:
21 
a) Exemption from the payment of rent for the use of government lands for
22 
commercial bamboo plantation for the first five (5) years of operation reckoned
23 
from tire date of the first harvest of the plantation;
24 
b) Exemption of private plantations from the requuements to secure a cutting
25 
permit for the harvesting of bamboo and a transport permit for as long as the
26 
plantation is registered with the Community Enviroiunent and Natural
27 
Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR: Provided, that the plantation owner
28 
shall inform the CENRO about the date of haivest, and the estimated volume
29 
that of the harvest. Inventor^7 of the plantation prior to har\rest shall not be
30 
required. All CENROs shall approve and enter into a registry the names of
31 
private bamboo plantation investors;


1 
c) Exemption from the payment of forest charges and other fees for taxes that local
2 
government units may impose;
3 
d) No inspection of harvested bamboo at checkpoints;
4 
e) Access to development loans from pubhc financial institutions for plantation
5 
developers;
6 
f) Insurance coverage of plantations and plantation development equipment by
7 
the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC);
8 
g) Tax-free importation of plantation development equipment, including tree
9 
nursery facilities, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the
10 
Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMT A);
11 
h) Expenses incurred for plantation operations shall be allowed as deductible
12 
expenses for income tax purposes, subject to the provisions of the National
13 
Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended: Provided, that the deduction shall
14 
only apply to the Taxable Period when the expenses were incurred;
15 
i) Expenses incurred in the development and operation of a bamboo plantation
16 
prior to the commercial harvest shall be regarded as ordinary and necessary
17 
expenses or as capital expenditure;
18 
j) Prioritized access for plantation developers to credit assistance from
19 
government-owned and controlled, and/or supported financial institutions;
20 
k) Acceptance of plantation as collateral for loans in government-owned or
21 
controlled banks;
22 
1) For the tenured developer, entitlement to fair compensation upon the
23 
premature termination of the agreement at no fault of the holder; Provided that
24 
all depreciable permanent and semi-permanent improvements such as roads,
25 
buildings, and nurseries, including the planted and standing trees and other
26 
forest crops introduced and retained in the area, shall be properly evaluated:
27 
Provided further, that the amount of compensation shall be mutually agreed
28 
upon by both the Department and the tenure- holder: Provided finally, that in
29 
case of disagreement between them, the matter shall be submitted to arbitration
30 
by a mutually acceptable and impartial third party adjudicator;
31 
m) Exportation of bamboo culms from plantation without restrictions in volume;


1 
n) Tax-free importation of processing equipment by processors engaged in
2 
bamboo industry, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the
3 
Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); and
4 
o) Inclusion in the annual investment program of the National Economic
5 
Development Authority of industrial bamboo plantations in forest lands and
6 
priority access to funds from external and internal sources.
7 
Sec. 10. Appropriations. - The funds necessary7 to carry7 out the initial
8 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's budget of the
9 
DTI. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of
10 
this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
11 
Sec. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days after the
12 
effectivity of this Act, the DTI-PBIDC shall, in coordination with the DENR and DOST,
13 
promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.
14 
Sec. 12. Separabiliti/ Clause. - If any provision of this Act or part hereof is
15 
declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such
16 
declaration shall remain in fuU force and effect.
17 
Sec. 13. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules,
18 
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended
19 
accordingly.
20 
Sec. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
21 
pubhcation in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,