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‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS OM DAT
First Regular Session

House Bit no, 1453

Introduced by the Honorable ANIELA BIANCA D. TOLENTINO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Moringa oleifera (moringa) or malunggay is a staple in the lives of Filipino. It is
often used as an ingredient in many Filipino dishes like tinola, monggo, and nilaga.
However, we have overlooked the big potential of moringa as an export product of
the Philippines. In a December 2022 article by the Center for Promotion of Imports
from Developing Countries, it was highlighted that the global demand for moringa was
estimated at US$8 Billion in 2018. It also stated that said global demand is predicted
to grow by 8.9% between 2019-2025 or a total global market of US$10 Billion by
2025.

Moringa leaf powder is used as an ingredient in health products. The high
nutirent content of the plant is the main selling point for moringa. Moringa grows in
tropical countries in Africa, Asia, the Pacific and Caribbean Islands, and South Africa.
India is currently has the biggest market share in the global market for moringa at
80%. This representation finds it proper that the Philippine government exert effort in
capturing a significant part of the large global demand market for moringa by adopting
a law that will develop and promote it. There is also a similar bill for the development
and promotion of moringa filed in the Senate.

The development and promotion of moringa as another product that the
Philippines can be a major player in the global stage will be great for the economy
and in the effort to improve the lives of Filipinos.

For the Filipino people, approval of the bill herein is earnestly being sought.

Ca


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1453

Introduced by the Honorable ANIELA BIANCA D. TOLENTINO

AN ACT URGING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING,
DEVELOPMENT, AND EXPORT PROMOTION OF THE
MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA) LOCALLY KNOWN AS "MALUNGGAY",
AND PROVIDING 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 "Moringa Development Act.”

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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, 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.

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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 5. Repealing Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, orders and regulations
contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 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.


SECTION 7. Fffectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication In the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,