Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

‘TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2363

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3" Congressional District, Camarines Sur

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines’ unique geographical position blesses it with diverse
ecological systems, yielding abundant and distinct products, among which the Pili
nut stands out. Indigenous to the country and predominantly found in the Bicol
Region, Pili is a versatile and beloved Filipino delicacy, transformable into
numerous food products and snacks. In an evolving global market that
increasingly favors healthier alternatives, the demand for the Pili nut and its by-
products is experiencing continuous growth.

Notably, the Philippines holds a unique and significant advantage as the
sole commercial producer of Pili globally, with the Bicol Region supplying a
remarkable 80% of the country's total output. Despite environmental challenges,
Pili trees thrive in Bicol's rich volcanic soil and abundant rainfall, famously
blooming better after storms ("stress trees"). It's also a low-maintenance crop,
bearing fruit in as little as three years. This unique global supply, coupled with its
resilience and ease of cultivation, ensures Pili production continues to boom,
creating significant trade and income opportunities for Bicolanos.

While the Pili Regional Research and Technology Development Center in
Legazpi City has played a commendable role in localized research and
development since its creation in 2019, its regional scope and limited institutional
capacity are insufficient to fully harness the national and global potential of the Pili
industry. The absence of a dedicated, national-level institution with a
comprehensive mandate, sustained funding, and the authority to serve as a lead

1


agency has constrained the widespread adoption of best practices, the
consolidation of research, and aggressive national and international promotion.

Recognizing this immense and largely untapped potential, strategic
investment in the Pili industry through a dedicated national body will yield
substantial benefits for the Philippine economy, its farmers, and the country as a
whole. For the economy, a robust Pili industry will boost export revenues, improve
trade balances, and attract foreign investment into agribusiness. For farmers,
particularly in the Bicol Region, it guarantees a stable and growing income,
empowering local communities due to the crop's low-maintenance nature. For the
country, strengthening the Pili industry reinforces its unique global market
position, showcases its biodiversity and agricultural innovation, and contributes
significantly to job creation across the entire value chain—from cultivation and
processing to marketing and distribution—further establishing the Philippines as
a key player in the global health food market.

Therefore, this bill seeks to institutionalize the establishment of the Pili
Research Institute (PiIRI). By creating PiIRI as an attached agency to the
Department of Agriculture, with a clear national mandate and dedicated funding,
the government can provide the necessary leadership, resources, and coordination
to elevate the Pili industry to its rightful place. This crucial step will fully harness
the Pili nut's economic and social impact, ensuring sustained prosperity for the
Bicol Region and significant contributions to national development.

The immediate passage of this beneficial measure is earnestly sought.

G
NEL! |GACION
Representative, 3rd Disthic rrines Sur


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH (20th) CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2363

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representative Nelson S. Legacion
3 Congressional District, Camarines Sur

AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE PILI RESEARCH INSTITUTE (PILRI)
UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, PROVIDING FOR ITS
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Pili Research and
Promotion Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to give paramount priority to research and development, as well as to science and
technology education, training, and services, particularly in support of the
agricultural sector. Recognizing the significant economic potential of cultivating the
Pili Nut, the State shall foster its sustainable growth and development through
dedicated research, technological innovation, and comprehensive promotion. While
existing regional initiatives, such as the Pili Regional Research and Technology
Development Center, have contributed to localized efforts, the vast national and
global potential of the Pili industry necessitates a dedicated national institution with
a comprehensive mandate, consolidated resources, and the capacity to serve as the
lead agency. This institutionalization aims to enhance the livelihoods of Pili farmers,
contribute to national food security, and ensure economic prosperity.

SECTION 3. Creation of Pili Research Institute (PilRI). The Pili Research
Institute (PilRI) is hereby created and established as an attached agency to the
3


Department of Agriculture (DA). PilRI shall serve as the lead agency responsible for
conducting comprehensive research, leading the all-out promotion of both small-
scale and commercial cultivation of Pili Nut in suitable areas of the country,
harnessing technology in cultivating Pili Nut, and ensuring the efficient processing,
marketing, and distribution of Pili Nut products.

SECTION 4. Functions. PilRI shall have the following functions:

(a) To conduct agricultural, industrial and economic research for the
development of the Pili Industry;

(b) To acquire, develop and propagate improved plant materials and
technology;

(c) To train professionals, students and Pili farmers on necessary
disciplines related to Pili production, utilization and marketing;

(d) To design and implement, in coordination with institutions of
higher learning, local and foreign scholarships and fellowship
programs on academic fields that will enhance Pili industry
development;

(e) To organize local regional and international conferences,
gathering, for seminars on the current trends and developments
of the Pili industry;

(f) To consolidate all researches from other institutions, as well as to
establish, maintain and operate an information and library
center;

(g) To design and implement a farm extension program to effectively
transfer modern farm technology to Pili farmers; and

(h)To publish and disseminate research findings and make
appropriate recommendations to interested parties.

SECTION 5. Organizational Structure. The PilRI shall be headed by a
Director General, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines upon
the recommendation of the Secretary of Agriculture. The organizational structure
and staffing pattern of PilRI shall be determined by the Director General, subject to
the approval of the Secretary of Agriculture and the Department of Budget and
Management (DBM), in accordance with existing laws, rules, and regulations.

SECTION 6. Funding. The initial amount of One Hundred Million Pesos
4


(P100,000,000.00) necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be included in
the Annual General Appropriations Act immediately following its enactment.
Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued operation,
maintenance, and expansion of the PilRI shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act.

SECTION 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Department of
Agriculture (DA), in coordination with the Commission on Higher Education
(CHED), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI), are hereby tasked to formulate the implementing rules and
regulations for this Act within ninety (90) days from its effectivity.

SECTION 8. Separability Clause. If any provision or part hereof is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or the provision not otherwise
affected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION 9. Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, and administrative regulations or parts thereof inconsistent

herewith are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 10. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,