House Bill No._1084__

Introduced by Representative Albert S. Garcia

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill aims to address two challenges: the need to continuously protect public health
and promote environmentally sustainable industries to help address climate challenge and the
lack of policy support to the domestic coconut industry.

The current climate crisis necessitates industrial transformation anchored on
contributing to environmental sustainability. The country must continuously look for
opportunities to help firms and relevant stakeholders gradually shift to more environmentally
sustainable practices.

Moreover, there is a need to provide policy support to the domestic coconut industry.
The Philippines is one of the biggest producers of coconut in the world. However, the domestic
coconut industry remains challenged and underdeveloped due to several domestic and
international economic trends. While industry stakeholders will play a crucial in role in
addressing these challenges, the appropriate policy infrastructure is necessary to provide them
with the foundational support to achieve industry growth and development.

Finally, itis important to ensure that the public is informed through mandated labeling of
food products that will indicate the same are made from coconut or coconut-derived products.
This way, the consumers shall acquire better awareness of the vitamins or nutrients contained
in said products and ultimately lead to the promotion of public health.

This representation hopes that the policy solutions included in this bill will contribute to
addressing the aforementioned challenges. In view of the foregoing, approval of this measure
is earnestly sought from my colleagues.

—,

\d District, Bataan


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City
‘TWENTIETH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bitt No._ 1034

Introduced by Representative Albert S. Garcia

AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE SUSTAINABLE USE OF COCONUT AND COCONUT-
DERIVED PRODUCTS IN THE PHILIPPINES

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

Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as “Sustainable Coconut Industry Act.”

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby dectared the policy of the State to:
{a) Protect and advance the constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful

ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

(b) Promote the manufacture and use of environmentally sustainable products in order to

maintain the country's natural environment and conserve natural resources to support
the wellbeing of current and future generations.

(c) Encourage more consumers and suppliers to patronize ecologically sustainable

coconut-derived products and coconut-based raw materials, which will create a
demand for these products and ultimately lead to the growth of the industry.

(@) Provide policy support that will enable the coconut industry to become more sustainable

and competitive in the global market, thus providing opportunities for the industry to
grow and create more job opportunities for Filipinos.

(e) Strengthen the demand for coconut-based surfactants that will help create new

opportunities for coconut farmers and processors, as well as contribute to a more
sustainable and healthy future for the Philippines.

() Highlight the safe and healthy use of coconut-based products through environmental

product labeling which will eventually encourage more consumers and suppliers to use
coconut-based surfactants, a natural and sustainable atternative to synthetic and other
vegetable oil-derived surfactants.

‘Section 3. Definition of Terms. For the purpose of this Act, the following terms shall mean:

(a) Coconut - refers to the fruit of the coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.), including its
‘meat, water, milk, and other by-products.


(b) Coconut-derived products - refer to products made from coconut and its by-
products, including but not limited to coconut oil, coconut cream, coconut flour,
coconut sugar, and coconut water.

(c) Surfactants - refer to surface-active agents that are commonly used in cleaning
products such as detergents, soaps, and shampoos.

Section 4. Detergent/Surfactant Requirements. All manufacturers of soap and detergent
surfactants in the Philippines shall be subject to a rationalization program requiring increasing
local content in the usage of coconut oil to a minimum of 20% the first year, 40% the second
year, up to a minimum of 60% for the third year and thereafter in their formulation.

Section . Labeling. All manufacturers of food products made from coconut or coconut-derived
products shall indicate on their product label any particular vitamin or nutrient that will be of
benefit to public health and environment as assessed or certified by the Food and Drug
Authority (FDA) and DENR, in addition to complying with the requirements set forth in the
Consumer Protection Act.

Section 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The DT, in consultation with the DA, DOH,
PCA, FDA, DENR, other relevant agencies, civil society and industry stakeholders shall issue
the necessary IRR to ensure the effective implementation of this Act

Section 7. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least
two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved