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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session
House BILL No. _3892

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The beloved home province of Catanduanes is the largest producer of abaca in
the Philippines. Abaca is known worldwide as “Manila Hemp” and is used for various
purposes. The recognition of Catanduanes being the largest producer of abaca was
highlighted in the passage of Republic Act No. 11700, where it was declared that
Catanduanes as the abaca capital of the Philippines. Further, in keeping with Section
1, Article XII of the Constitution which provides that the State shall promote the
industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and
agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and
natural resources, which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets, there
should be an office that must primarily and directly address the concerns of abaca
industry in terms of research and development, as well as the concerns of the abaca
farmers so that the abaca industry will not only be sustainable but will also maximize
its potentials in accordance with the spirit of this law.

Furthermore, the second paragraph of Section 1 of R. A. No. 11700 declared as
a policy that the State hereby recognizes the importance of abaca industry and its
development as a driver of rural development not only because of its singular
potential as raw material that can increase the country's export earnings
tremendously, and put the name of the country in the map of the world for
producing the biggest volume of abaca fiber, but for having provided livelihood to
many small farmers in the countryside. The importance of abaca can never be
discounted. Hence, this bill.


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
NINETEENTH CONGRESS.
First Regular Session

House sino. 3892

Introduced by Honorable EULOGIO “LEO” R. RODRIGUEZ

An Act Establishing Catanduanes Abaca Research and Development Office
and providing funds thereof

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

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall also be known as “CARDO Law”.

Section 2. Creation and Composition. — The Catanduanes Abaca Research and
Development Office (CARDO) is hereby created. CARDO shall be composed of a
Head Executive Officer, Executive Assistant for Research and Development of Abaca,
Executive Assistant for Research and Development for Abaca Farmers, and at least
six (6) technical field officers, who shall be appointed by the Head of the Presidential
Management Office in accordance with the civil service rules and regulations and the
qualification requirements and standards for such offices.

The Office of the President shall have direct control and supervision over the
Catanduanes Abaca Research and Development Office.

Section 3. Functions, Purposes, and Duties. — CARDO shall have the following
functions and purposes:

a) To conduct and create studies, programs, and policies that will ensure the
sufficient and balanced production of abaca for the requirements of the local and
foreign trade.

b) To ensure sustainable development of abaca plantation and production.


Cc) To recommend to the Department of Public Works and Highways the farm-to-
market roads to be developed for abaca farmers for easy access to their farms
and easy marketing of their products.

d) To recommend to the appropriate Local Government Units the establishment of
warehousing and marketing facilities in suitable sites.

e) To conduct research to maximize the harvests of abaca and discover other
marketable uses of abaca.

f) To provide alternative sources of livelihood for abaca farmers during harvest
waiting period or after calamities.

g) To assist in organizing abaca farmers cooperatives.

h) To provide coaching and consultancies to improve the finish products of abaca
and assist the abaca farmers in marketing their products.

i) To publish in paper and online a quarterly bulletin of the acts performed, results
and status of research made, and projects on-going and accomplished by
CARDO.

Section 4. Appropriations. — The amount of Fifteen Million Pesos (P15,000,000.00)
shall be appropriated to cover the salaries and benefits of its personnel and
contractual utility employees for the maintenance of its office, office rental, until a
permanent government office is established. The water, electric and internet bills
and all other expenses as may be reasonable for the purpose of giving effect to the
functions and purposes herein provided is also deemed included in the appropriated
amount.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause. — If any part or provision of this Act is declared
invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions or parts hereof shall not be
affected and shall remain in force and in effect.

SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. — All laws, executive orders, decrees, instructions,
rules, and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with any provision of this Act are
hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 7. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation

Approved,