Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

17" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _'7403

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO-

EXPLANATORY NOTE

, being the largest supplier of pili in Bicol region, accounts for more than half of the
country’s total pili production at 4,052 metric tons in 2015. Value Chain Analysis (VCA)
conducted by the local and national level planning (I-PLAN) shows that most of the big
processors in the region get their supply of kernel from Sorsogon because of its big volume of
production. !"!

Aside from the kernel, pili’s by-products like the shell, formerly recycled as charcoal is now
used in making fashion accessories. Meanwhile, its pulp is used to make the popular elemi
essential oil. As they begin to be emerging commodities and start to get recognized in the global
market, pili remains to be one of the high-value crops in Bicol. Even the tree’s wood may be
carved as furniture or décor at home.

Because all pili’s parts have immense use, the pili tree is fast gaining fame as the “tree of life”,
next to the coconut tree. 7!

As an endemic tree found in the Bicol region and a commercial market unique only in the
country, the help and support from the government through research, technology, and
marketing will make pili a highly marketable product in the global scene, hence its income
generating potential

The bill, seeking to recognize the province of Sorsogon as the Pili Capital of the Philippines,
will garner additional government support and budget allocation not only to maintain, promote,
and protect the country’s pili industry, but most importantly, to ensure its sustainability for the
benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders.

Therefore, the early recognition and approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

— Absectir!
EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

[1] Baleza, Annietyn. us W ae witha

[2]Department of Environment and Natural Resources - tp Sent go pynew-and sva/SR2-pii of life html



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

17" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 7403

Introduced by REP, EVELINA G. ESCDERO

AN ACT
DEVELOPING THE PILI INDUSTRY, CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE PILI
SUBSIDY FUND AND THE PILI RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, AND.
DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF SORSOGON AS THE PILI CAPITAL OF THE
PHILIPPINES

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

SECTION 1. Title — This Act shall be known as the “Pili Industry Development Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy ~ Itis hereby declared the policy of the State to promote
and support the viable Pili industry in the country, particularly its largest producer, the Province
of Sorsogon. Towards this end, the country shall maintain and protect the Pili industry to ensure
its sustainability for the benefits of the farmers and other stakeholders. Hence, secure a source
of livelihood and industry, as well as to provide an avenue for employment generation

SEC. 3. Creation of the Pili Research and Development Center - Within a year from
the approval of this Act, there shall be created the Pili Research and Development Center in
Sorsogon which shall be attached to the Sorsogon State College in Sorsogon City.

SEC. 4, Functions of the Pili Research and Development Center ~ The Pili Research
and Development Center shall perform the following functions and duties:

a. Undertake and conduct researches and technical studies on the development,
production, management, and marketing of pili nuts and its by-products;

b. Provide technical assistance and support to pili farmers and other stakeholders

in the Bicol Region;

Develop appropriate technologies beneficial to the pili industry;

Train faculty members and other research personnel who will undertake

research and development work on pili;

e. Publish research studies, papers, articles, and other works or writings relating
to pili on a regular basis with the end goal of benefitting pili farmers and other
stakeholders nationwide:

ae


£ Coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), Department of Science and Technology(DOST), and
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to consolidate all
policies, programs, and projects on pili research and development.

g. Such other functions and duties necessary or incidental to the promotion and
development of the pili industry.

SEC. 5. Pili Subsidy Fund — There is hereby created a Pili Subsidy Fund, which shall
be used to financially support the Pili industry. The fund shall be directly and exclusively used
for the following

a) _Pilitree planting and cultivation; and
b) Skills training and capital development for the pili industry.

SEC. 6. Pili Capital of the Philippines ~ The province of Sorsogon is hereby declared,
or granted the official designation as the Pili Capital of the Philippines.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations - The DA and DENR in collaboration
with DTI, DOST, and the Sorsogon State College, shall issue and promulgate the necessary
rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act

SEC. 8. Appropriations - For the effective implementation of this Act, the amount of
‘Two Hundred Fifty Million Pesos (PhP250,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the current
and annual budgetary allocations of the DA and DENR. Fifty percent of which shall serve as
the initial amount for the Pili Subsidy Fund under Section 6 of this Act. Thereafter, such sums
as may be necessary for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual budget of
the DA and DENR under the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 9. Repealing Clause ~ All laws and parts thereof inconsistent with any provisions
of this Act shall be deemed repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 10. Effectivity Clause - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,