Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
18" CONGRESS
First Regular Session

24

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is the only country in the world devoted to large-scale commercial
Production of pit and the country’s largest pili producer is the province of Sorsogon.

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

Next to the coconut tree, the pili tree is fast gaining recognition as the "tree of life”? its
Kemel and pulp are excellent sources of oil, used for baking and cooking;® its sap and oil are also

‘2 cosmetic and pharmaceutical products including soaps and perfumes;* its wood is carved
% home dévor and i shell widely used in making fashion accessories, As such there
¢ potential for pili’s global commercial marketability.

Wherefore, this bill seeks to Protect, promote and support the pili industry in the country
through the creation of Pili Subsidy Fund and Pili Research and Development Center, as well as
the recognition of Sorsogon as the Pili Capital of the Philippines, which will garner additional

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Sovemment support and budget allocation to ensure the industry’s commercial viability and
Sustainability for the benefit of the farmers and various stakeholders,

‘The early recognition and approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

‘SCUDERO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

18 CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 24

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

AN ACT DEVELOPING THE PILI INDUSTRY,
CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE PILI SUBSIDY FUND
AND THE PILI RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER,
k 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 - Ibis hereby declared the policy of the State to promote and
sipport the viable Pili industry in the country, particularly its largest producer, the Provines of
. >wsacds this end, the country shall maintain and protect the Pili industry to ensure ts
the benefits of the farmers aad other stakeholders. Hence, secure a source of
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
oval 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:


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

©. 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

i research and development work on pili;

© 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

£ Coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and
industry (DTD, 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.

& Suchother functions and duties necessary or incidental to the promotion and
development of the pili industry,

SEC. 8. Pili Subsidy Fund - There is hereby orested a Pili Subsidy Fund, which shall be
used to financially support the Pili industry. The fund shall be direetly and exclusively used for

‘the following:

@) Pili tree planting and cultivation, and
) ‘Skills training and capital development for the pill industry.

SEC. 6 Pili Capital of the Philippines - The province of Sorsogon is hereby declared, or
Sranted 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 (P&P250,000,000.00) 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 accordi

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

Approved,