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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILLNO. ____ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SORSOGON AS THE PILI CAPITAL OF THE 
PHILIPPINES 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Section 1, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines provides that 
the State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound 
agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and 
efficient use of human and natural resources, and which are competitive in both 
domestic and foreign markets. Pursuant to such pronouncement, the State 
recognizes that one of the means by which socio-economic advancement can be 
attained is through agricultural development.  
The Bicol Region is the country’s leading producer of pili nuts. According to 
the 2021 data from the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), the region produced 
84% of the total output equivalent to an impressive 4,932.60 metric tons.1  
Pili is widely cultivated in the province of Sorsogon, not only on farms and 
plantations but also in household backyards. According to the Philippine Statistics 
Authority’s 2018 Commodity Fact Sheet, Sorsogon accounts for approximately 55% 
of total pili production in the Bicol Region. Since 2014, it has consistently been the 
leading producer in Region V, with an output of 4,004.18 metric tons in 2014 and 
2,804.61 metric tons in 2023. Despite a gradual decline, Sorsogon’s annual 
production over the past decade continues to exceed that of other provinces. 
This bill seeks to declare the Province of Sorsogon as the “Pili Capital of the 
Philippines” in acknowledgment of its leading role in pili production and industry 
development. The proposed designation is intended to promote increased pili 
cultivation and strengthen the industry’s competitiveness in both domestic and 
international markets. Beyond raw production, Sorsogon has also showcased its 
competence in the pili industry by developing various pili-derived products such as 
1 Department of Agriculture (7 March 2023) Philippines regains EU market access for pili nuts export. (Accessed last 29 
June 2025 from: https://www.da.gov.ph/philippines-regains-eu-market-access-for-pili-nuts-export/) 
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candies, oil, jams, milk, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. With abundant 
opportunities and investments within the industry, the potential of pili as a locally-
produced commodity can significantly boost the economy. In February 2023, foreign 
opportunities expanded as the European Union (EU) welcomed dried pili nuts among 
its list of novel foods approved for marketing in the 27 EU States. This recognition 
presents a boon for local pili processors and exporters, enabling them to profit from 
higher-value goods. Furthermore, it opens avenues for job creation and livelihood 
enhancement for local farmers. 
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
 
 
 
HON. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
Representative 
1st District, Sorsogon


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILLNO. ____ 
Introduced by REP. BERNADETTE “DETTE” G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT  
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SORSOGON AS THE PILI CAPITAL OF THE 
PHILIPPINES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the 
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State to promote and support the pili industry in the country and ensure 
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competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets. 
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To this end, the State shall recognize the importance of sustaining and enhancing 
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pili production as a driver of economic development because pili self-sufficiency can 
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tremendously increase the country’s export earnings and provide livelihood to our 
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farmers. 
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SEC. 2. Sorsogon as the Pili Capital of the Philippines. In recognition of 
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its status as the country’s biggest producer of pili, the Province of Sorsogon is 
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hereby declared the Pili Capital of the Philippines. 
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SEC. 3. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately following the 
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completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of 
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general circulation. 
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Approved,  
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