Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

151 0 .

HOUSE BILL NO. _

Introduced by HON. FERNANDO T. CABREDO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This measure seeks to develop the root crops industry in the Bicol Region through the
establishment of a Bicol Regional Root Crops Research and Development Center in the City
of Ligao in the Province of Albay. The Center shall among others, undertake and conduct
research and technical studies on the development, production, management, marketing and
promotion of root crops and its by-products. it shall also provide technical assistance to root
ccrops farmers and other stakeholders in the Region.

‘The Center shall be linked and integrated to the Philippine Root Crop Research and
Training Center (PRCRTC) system to ensure the collaboration and coordination in the delivery
of development and research services.

Coconut used to be the major produce of Bicol. However, it is highly vulnerable to
typhoons that can easily wipe out years of hard work and expectations of income for the
coconut farmer. Other problems that beset coconut are diseases, vulnerability to world price
fluctuations, the aging of the current crop of coconut trees, and low allocation on research and
development.

It is therefore high time that an alternative source of income such as root crops should
be developed in the Region.

Root crops have broad adaptability that allows them to be produced even under
unfavorable conditions such as drought and poor soils and even typhoons. They are also a rich
source of nutrition, are affordable, and are a primary source of sustenance for many people,
especially in developing countries

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

|ANDO T. CABREDO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

151

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by HON. FERNANDO T. CABREDO

AN ACT
DEVELOPING THE ROOT CROPS INDUSTRY IN THE BICOL REGION,
CREATING FOR THE PURPOSE THE BICOL REGIONAL ROOT CROPS
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER AND THE ROOT CROPS
SUBSIDY FUND, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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 the “Bicol Regional Root Crops
Research and Development Center in the Bicol Region Act.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
promote, support, and strengthen the root crops industry in the Bicol Region, thus providing
livelihood opportunities to root crops farmers in the Region.

SECTION 3. Creation of the Bicol Regional Root Crops Research and
Development Center. - Within a year from the approval of this Act, there shall be established
the BICOL Root Crops Research and Development Center in the City of Ligao, Province of
Albay. The Center shall be attached to the Bicol University.

SECTION 4. Functions of the Bicol Regional Root Crops Research and
Development Center. - The Bicol Regional Root Crops Research and Development Center
shall perform the following functions and duties:

a. Undertake and conduct research and technical studies on the development,
production, management, marketing and promotion of root crops and its by-
products.

b. Publish research studies, papers, articles, and other works or writings on root crops
on a regular basis for the benefit of root crops farmers and other stakeholders
nationwide.

¢. Provide technical assistance and support to root crops farmers and producers and
other stakeholders in the Bicol Region.


4d. Develop improved production and harvesting techniques and effective cropping
systems for root crops;

e. Develop high yielding, good quality, and pest resistant varieties of sweet potato,
cassava, gabi, and other root crops;

£ Train faculty members and other research personnel who will undertake research
and development work on root crops;

g, Develop a Bicol Regional Root Crops Development Roadmap / Program that is in
agreement and aligned with the National Root Crop Research and Development
Roadmap spearheaded by the Philippine Root Crops Research and Training Center
(PRCRTC);

h, Provide and develop marketing tools for root crops and its by-products;

i. Establish standards in grading, sampling and inspection, tests and analysis,
specifications, packaging, preservation, conservation, and transportation of root
crops and its by-products;

j. Coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), Department of Science and technology (DOST), Department of
Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Bicol University, local
government units, other concemed government agencies, and other stakeholders in
order to consolidate all policies, programs, and projects on root crops research and
development;

k, Develop an organisational structure for the Center that shall be prepared by the
Bicol State University and approved by the Department of Budget and Management
(DBM);

1. Form a linkage with PRCRTC and act as one of the cooperating agencies/centers
under the national root crops network to ensure the collaboration and coordination
in the delivery of development and research services; and

m. Perform such other functions and duties necessary or incidental to the promotion
and development of the root crops industry.

SECTION 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DA and DENR, in
collaboration with DTI, DOST, and the Bicol University, shall issue and promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the Act.

SECTION 6. Appropriations. - For effective implementation of this Act, the amount
of Two Hundred Million Pesos (Php 200,000,000.00) is hereby appropriated from the current
and annual budgetary allocations of the DA, fifty percent (50%) of which shall serve as the
initial amount for the Root Crops Subsidy Fund under Section 5 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 under the General Appropriations Act.


SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive issuances, rules and
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed
repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,