Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

159

HOUSE BILL NO. __

Introduced by Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba

AN ACT

MANDATING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNITS TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST 25% OF THEIR BUDGET FOR
FURNITURE AND FIXTURES FOR PRODUCTS MADE OF ENGINEERED
BAMBOO AND OTHER BAMBOO-BASED COMMODITIES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The proposed bill seeks to address pressing concerns related to
sustainable resource management, environmental conservation, and the
promotion of innovative technologies within the public sector. As the
Philippines continues to work towards achieving its sustainable development
goals, the integration of bamboo-based products, particularly engineered
bamboo, in government operations emerges as an effective and transformative

strategy.

Bamboo, recognized as a renewable and rapidly regenerating resource,
offers immense potential as a sustainable alternative to conventional
materials, such as wood and steel. Engineered bamboo, characterized by its
enhanced durability, strength, and versatility, presents an innovative solution

for various applications, including furniture and fixtures. By mandating


government agencies to allocate at least 10% of their furniture and fixtures
budget by 2030 to engineered bamboo and other bamboo-based products,
this bill not only drives demand for eco-friendly materials but also stimulates
the growth of the bamboo industry.

The bill aligns with global trends towards sustainable consumption and
production patterns. By encouraging government agencies to prioritize
bamboo- based solutions in their procurement processes, the legislation seeks
to foster a culture of responsible resource utilization. This, in turn,
contributes to the reduction of pressure on traditional wood resources, aids
in combating deforestation, and enhances the country's commitment to
mitigating climate change.

Furthermore, the bill acts as a catalyst for technological advancement
and local economic development. The inclusion of engineered bamboo in
government projects fosters the development of the bamboo value chain, from
cultivation to processing, manufacturing, and distribution. This spurs job
creation, particularly in rural areas, and supports the growth of small and

medium-sized enterprises engaged in bamboo-related industries.

Moreover, the integration of bamboo-based products in government
facilities showcases the Philippines as a leader in sustainable development
and innovation. As the nation hosts international events and conventions, the
utilization of bamboo reinforces the commitment to environmentally
conscious practices, enhancing the country's image and reputation on the
global stage.

The bill emphasizes collaboration among government agencies, the
private sector, research institutions, and local communities. It calls for the
establishment of guidelines for procurement, quality standards, and the

promotion of research and development in the field of bamboo engineering.

In conclusion, this bill represents a forward-looking and sustainable
approach towards addressing resource scarcity, environmental degradation,
and fostering economic growth. By mandating government agencies to
allocate at least 10% of their furniture and fixtures budget by 2030 for

engineered bamboo and other bamboo-based products, the legislation

2


envisions a future where innovation, environmental stewardship, and
economic prosperity converge.

It is also essential to underscore that this bill was already deliberated
upon by relevant government agencies and civil society groups during the
19th Congress, was approved by the House of Representatives, and was

transmitted and received by the Senate of the Philippines.

For the foregoing reasons, the immediate consideration and approval of
this bill is earnestly sought.

JO EL F. ALBA

Representative, 1st District, Bukidnon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City

TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

159

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Representative Jose Manuel F. Alba

AN ACT
MANDATING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNITS TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST 25% OF THEIR BUDGET FOR
FURNITURE AND FIXTURES FOR PRODUCTS MADE OF ENGINEERED
BAMBOO AND OTHER BAMBOO-BASED COMMODITIES

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 “Bamboo 2
Products Procurement Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote
sustainable development, environmental conservation, and the utilization of
renewable resources as part of its commitment to the United Nations 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and the 17 sustainable development
goals. Towards 8 this end, the State shall implement a procurement program
geared towards responsible and sustainable consumption and production. As
a bulk consumer of goods and services, the State shall use this power to
stimulate the production and use of sustainable materials through the

products or services it purchases or avails.


For this purpose, the State recognizes bamboo, a fast-growing and naturally
renewable tree-like grass that requires very little maintenance to farm as it
does not need any pesticide or herbicide, to replace traditional forest trees as
material for furniture and fixtures as well as in the construction industry due
to its tensile strength. Bamboo absorbs twice as much carbon dioxide as trees,
with research showing that it can absorb as much as 12 tonnes of carbon

dioxide per hectare 4 per year.

SEC. 3. Allocation of Budget for Bamboo Products. -

(a) All agencies, departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities of
the national government, as well as local government units (LGUs),
shall allocate 10 a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of their
annual furniture and fixtures 11 budget for the procurement of
engineered bamboo and bamboo-based products.

(b) The allocation shall cover a wide range of engineered bamboo and

bamboo-based products, such as:

(1) bamboo-based construction materials, including bamboo poles,
boards, and laminates;

(2) bamboo furniture and fixtures;

(3) bamboo handicrafts and artworks;

(4) bamboo fiber and textiles;

(5) bamboo-based packaging and paper products; or

(6) bamboo charcoal and other value-added bamboo products.

SEC. 4. Functions of the Philippine Bamboo Industry
Development Council. - The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development
Council created 25 pursuant to Executive Order No. 879 on 14 May 2010,
hereinafter referred to as the Council, in addition to its existing functions,

shall undertake the following:


(a) Implement programs to encourage and provide incentives to
the private sector to develop, innovate, and create products
using engineered bamboo and bamboo-based products;

(b) Conduct annual fairs or exhibits showcasing
products using engineered bamboo or bamboo-based
products to create a venue for manufacturers of bamboo-
based products to present their latest products, and designs,
as well as stimulate interest for such products;

(0)

Develop a plan and program to increase the production of

bamboo to provide a steady supply of raw materials for

manufacturers and producers of engineered bamboo and
other bamboo-based products;

(d) Identify government lands, including reservations of the
Armed Forces of the Philippines and State universities and
colleges (SUCs) that may be planted with bamboo;

(e) Work with SUCs with academic programs on forestry and

agriculture 41 to develop courses on the propagation of

bamboo, develop the product as a viable alternative to hard
wood, and other related courses; and

() Monitor the compliance of government agencies and LGUs.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90)
days from the effectivity of this Act, the Council, in coordination with the
Department of Budget and Management, and the Government Procurement
Policy Board shall 6 issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective
implementation of this Act. This shall include provisions on the proper
identification, sourcing, and procurement of bamboo products, as well as
mechanisms to monitor and evaluate the compliance of government agencies

with the allocation requirement.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected thereby
shall remain in full force and effect.


SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive
orders, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions

of this Act are hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after

its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,