Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1305

Introduced by HONORABLE LUIS RAYMUND F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite the need to provide for increasing local demand for rice, local rice
farmers and producers are also able to tap a huge export market for certain
varieties of rice, particularly that of the aromatic and fancy kind, which are highly
favored internationally in making specialty rice cuisine.

Whereas, in the past exportation of rice has been severely regulated,
there have arisen opportunities to earn and establish ourselves in the
international market for specialty rice that warrant a change of policy. The
growing popularity of aromatic rice dishes, not only in Asia and the Middle East
but also in the United States, Canada and Europe, has sparked demand for the
Jasmine rice of Thailand, the Basmati varieties of India and Pakistan, and other
varieties and grades which provide a natural aroma when cooked, such as those
already locally developed.

By supporting local production of such aromatic and fancy rice varieties
and authorizing their exportation, the National Government can help set the
Philippines again as a major player in the international rice market.

Considering the merits of this bill, its early approval is earnestly
requested.

u ‘YMU! . VILLAFUERTE, JR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 1305

Introduced by HONORABLE LUIS RAYMUND F. VILLAFUERTE, JR.

AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC RICE AND
FANCY RICE VARIETIES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE EXPORTATION
THEREOF

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in Congress assembled:

SECTION I. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy, that whereas

the country is striving to attain self-sufficiency in rice production in the ordinary,

hybrid and other varieties of rice for domestic consumption, it is important and critical

that we open up opportunities for the production and exportation of aromatic rice and
fancy rice varieties which command a premium in the world market.

The provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, the National
Food Authority is hereby empowered to directly export, or through accredited export
producers and traders, aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties, preferably those
organically grown, as these are in high demand in international markets.

SECTION 2. Aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties for export. The aromatic
rice and fancy rice varieties that may be authorized for export under this Act shall
include: Sinampaguita; Denorado; Milagrosa; Sinandomeng; Maligaya Selection 3, 6
and 8; College # 22, UPLB Rice #5 and 7 and such other varieties as the National
Food Authority may determine, after production trials and market analysis, and
thereby declared to be marketable for export.

SECTION 3. Means of support. The National Food Authority shall encourage
the production of such identified aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties through direct
technical assistance, funding support, stand-by purchase commitments, or in
cooperation with government or private sector institutions, formulate and implement
production and export programs for such varieties of rice.


SECTION 4. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its
approval

Approved,