7 ’
NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S. B. NO. 1044
Senate
72 AUG-4 P6 26
RECEIVED
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO 
INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
With the growing global awareness of climate change, the bamboo is 
gaining popularity in the domestic and international markets as a sustainable 
resource in the manufacture of industrial products or as a construction 
material. The bamboo has been hailed as a sustainable product since it can 
grow rapidly without the need for replanting, and without chemical pesticides 
and fertilizers.
On a global scale, the value of the world's bamboo market was 
estimated to be US$68.8 billion for traditional and non-traditional bamboo 
products in 2018.1 It is estimated to reach US$82.9 billion by 2028,2 80% of 
which will come from the Asia Pacific Region.
Recognizing the enormous potential of the bamboo industry, this bill 
seeks to institutionalize the goals of Executive Order No. 879 (series of 2010), 
which created the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC). 
This bill also seeks to strengthen the incentives, assistance and programs 
available to the Philippine bamboo industry to ensure its rapid development.
1 “Bamboos Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report, By Application (Raw Materials, Industrial Products, 
Furniture, Shoots), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2019 - 2025". Grand View Research. Retrieved from 
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/bamboos-market (Last accessed: August 4, 2022).
2 “The Global Bamboo Market is Projected to Reach $82.90 Billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 5.7% -
ResearchAndMarkets.com." 
November 
30, 
2021. 
Retrieved 
from
https://www.businesswire.eom/news/home/20211130005687/en/The-Global-Bamboo-Market-is-Projected-to-Reach- 
82.90-Billion-by-2028-at-a-CAGR-of-5.7—ResearchAndMarkets.com (Last accessed: August 4, 2022).


Among others, this bill mandates the formulation of a Philippine 
Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap, and the establishment of the 
Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council and the Bamboo Industry 
Research and Development Center. The Roadmap shall include, but not be 
limited to, programs and projects for the scientific propagation, development 
and management, processing, utilization, business development, and 
commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo products. On the other 
hand, the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council shall provide the 
overall policy and program direction and coordinate the activities of the 
various agencies and instrumentalities to ensure the implementation, 
accomplishment and periodic review and enhancement of the Roadmap.
Indeed, the humble bamboo represents an important resource with 
tremendous economic, ecological, and environmental benefits for improving 
rural livelihood, saving forests, and preventing environmental problems.3 In 
view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
3
“Research on the Utilization and Development of Bamboo Resources through Problem Analysis and Assessment” 
Retrieved from https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/300/5/052028/pdf(Last accessed on 2 August 
2022)


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1044
&il(©ffic** of t!jp ^-'rrrtnrp
)
) H AUG-4 P6 26
RECEIVED BY:
Introduced by SENATOR JOEL VILLANUEVA
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AN ACT
STF ENGTHENING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO 
INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, APPROPRIATING FUNDS 
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
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 "Philippine Bamboo 
Industry Development Act."
SEC, 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to promote and support industries that create and generate employment, 
especially in the rural areas, reduce poverty, promote environmental 
sustainability, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and promote inclusive 
growth.
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act aims to make the Philippine bamboo industry 
competitive in the local and international markets while providing opportunities 
for local employment and establishing bamboo-based community enterprises 
by:
a) 
Promoting the integrated and holistic development of the bamboo 
industry in various aspects of research, production, processing, 
marketing, consumption, capacity building, and regulation;
b) 
Ensuring that the bamboo industry has sufficient supply of quality raw 
materials through the establishment and management of bamboo 
nurseries and plantations;
c) 
Ensuring that relevant and accurate data on the bamboo industry are 
collated and published by the Bamboo Industry Research and 
Development Center created under Section 7 of this Act, in cooperation
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with various government agencies, private entities and other relevant 
sources, to aid in business decisions related to the industryiLslpj
d) 
Promoting investments in the bamboo industry by providing substantial 
and attractive incentives to investors;[s)pj
e) 
Providing skilled labor and manpower through continuous relevant 
capacity building:|sbj
f) 
Ensuring the provision of locally manufactured machines with improved 
capacity, efficiency, and quality at competitive costs;[sK
g) 
Improving bamboo industry research and development to discover new 
products and technologies, and advance market access for Philippine 
bamboo and bamboo products locally and internationally;
h) 
Providing access to markets of bamboo products locally and 
internationally through aggressive trade promotions; and
i) 
Ensuring sustainable resources in the implementation of the bamboo 
industry development program.[sbj
SEC. 4. Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap (PBIDR). - To 
be able to attain the objectives of this Act, there shall be formulated and 
established a Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap 
(Roadmap), which shall include, but not be limited to, programs and projects 
for the scientific propagation, development and management, processing, 
utilization, business development, and commercialization of Philippine 
bamboo and bamboo products. The Roadmap shall include the following 
objectives, among others:
a) 
Expand the number of bamboo nurseries with quality planting materials;
b) 
Ensure the propagation, breeding, site species matching and plant 
nutrition of bamboos;
c) 
Observe sustainable planting, management and harvesting, and soil and 
water conservation practices;
d) 
Encourage bamboo backyard farming;
e) 
Ensure the sustainability and viability of the bamboo industry;
f) 
Promote investments in the bamboo industry development programs;
g) 
Advance market access for Philippine bamboo and bamboo products 
locally and internationally;
h) 
Extend technical and financial assistance for the development, 
processing, commercialization and marketing of various bamboo


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products;
i) 
Require bamboo to be at least 20% of the annual planting materials 
needed in the national greening program or in reforestation of open, 
denuded and degraded forest lands;
j) 
Encourage all government offices to purchase furniture made of 
bamboo;
k) 
Develop bamboo plantations as eco-tourism sites;
l) 
Use bamboo in the manufacture of at least 25% of desks and chairs, as 
an alternative wood, in public primary and secondary schools in the 
country;
m) 
Make available to the bamboo industry relevant and current research 
and technological information and new product lines;
n) 
Provide continuous training and capacity building in the bamboo industry 
development; and
o) 
Provide technical and financial assistance in the local design and 
fabrication of high capacity processing equipment and machineries for 
the bamboo industry.
SEC. 5, Membership of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development
Council (PBIDC). - The composition of the Philippine Bamboo Industry
Development Council (Council)as provided under Executive Order No. 879, s.
2010, is hereby amended as follows..
a) 
Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry as Chairperson;
b) 
Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources;
c) 
Secretary of the Department of Agriculture;
d) 
Secretary of the Department of Education;
e) 
Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology;
f) 
Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment;
g) 
Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government;
h) 
Secretary of the Department of Tourism;
i) 
One representative each from the League of Provinces of the 
Philippines, League of Cities of the Philippines and League of 
Municipalities of the Philippines;


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j) 
One (1) representative each from bamboo farmers, bamboo 
manufacturers, and bamboo process associations;
k) 
One (1) representative each from a State university or college in Luzon, 
Visayas and Mindanao;
l) 
One (1) representative from Non-Governmental Organizations; and
m) 
One (1) representative from the private sector involved in a business 
belonging to the bamboo industry.
The Council shall provide the overall policy and program directions and 
coordinate the activities of the various agencies and instrumentalities to 
ensure the implementation, accomplishment, periodic review and 
enhancement of the Roadmap.
SEC. 6. Powers and Functions of the Council. - The Council shall have the 
following powers and functions:
a) 
Formulate the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap;
b) 
Identify specific and priority programs and projects in support of, and in 
line with, the Roadmap;
c) 
Identify sources of financing to expand bamboo industry development;
d) 
Submit annual reports, not later than June 30 of each year, to the Office 
of the President and to each House of Congress on the status of the 
implementation of the Roadmap and the bamboo industry development 
in the country; and
e) 
Promulgate such rules and regulations and exercise such other powers 
and functions as may be necessary to carry out the objectives of this 
Act.
SEC. 7. Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center (BIRDC). -
There is hereby established a Bamboo Industry Research and Development 
Center (Center) which shall serve as the secretariat of the Council.
The Center shall be headed by an Executive Director, and shall consist of 
divisions for the following purposes: (1) research and development; (2) trade 
promotion and education; (3) networking and linkages; (4) internal 
administration; (5) and such other purposes as necessary to achieve the 
purposes of this Act.
The composition of the divisions shall be prepared by the Executive Director 
and approved by the Council.
The organizational structure, staffing pattern and compensation schedule of 
the Center shall be in accordance with applicable Civil Service rules and


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regulations.
SEC. 8. Powers and Functions of the Center. - The Center shall have the
following powers and functions:
a) 
Promote and encourage the establishment and management of bamboo 
nurseries, plantations and processing facilities that would accelerate the 
production and commercialization of bamboo and various bamboo 
products;
b) 
Promote the commercialization and market access of appropriate, 
innovative and viable bamboo industry development technologies and 
products;
c) 
Monitor and evaluate the performance of bamboo industry development 
programs and projects;
d) 
Coordinate and partner with other government agencies in the 
implementation of bamboo industry development programs and projects;
e) 
Coordinate and partner with the private sector, people’s organizations 
and non-governmental organizations, and the academe in providing 
assistance on matters pertaining to bamboo industry development;
f) 
Accept grants, donations and contributions from local and international 
donors and such similar sources of funds for the implementation of this 
Act, subject to the usual budget, accounting and auditing rules and 
regulations;
g) 
Conduct, in cooperation or partnership with appropriate government 
agencies, a periodic review of the Roadmap;
h) 
Conduct capability-building initiatives for farmers, processors, designers 
and other stakeholders in the bamboo industry;
i) 
Conduct research and development in partnership with appropriate 
government agencies to advance sustainable bamboo industry 
development practices;
j) 
Promote the establishment and creation of bamboo farm tourism camps 
in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the private 
sector;
k) 
Gather data and create an information system related to bamboo, 
including but not limited to, plantations, population, species, workers and 
beneficiaries, investors, product demands and supplies, and costs and 
benefits for market research;
l) 
Supervise the implementation of the plans and programs of the Council;


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m) 
Manage and administer the projects identified by the Council; and
n) 
Submit periodic reports to the Council on the progress and 
accomplishment of programs and projects.
SEC. 9. The Executive Director of the Center. - The Executive Director 
shall be appointed on a permanent capacity by the President of the Republic 
Philippines from the list of nominees submitted by the DTI Secretary. He/she 
shall be a citizen and resident of the Philippines and must possess executive 
and management experience of at least three (3) years and with considerable 
knowledge in bamboo industry development. The Executive Director, in 
addition to his/her duties in the Center, shall have the following powers and 
functions:
a) 
Assist the Council in the performance of its tasks;[sEpj
b) 
Provide technical and administrative support to the Council;
c) 
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center; and|sEpj
d) 
Perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be 
necessary to implement this Act.
SEC. 10. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on 
Bamboo for Commercialization. - In addition to its mandate under the 
Bamboo Plantation Development Program (BPDP), the DENR shall ensure 
the development and expansion of nurseries and plantations of bamboo for 
commercialization and industrial purposes, while taking into consideration the 
ecological balance in areas identified for plantation and propagation. It shall 
continue to conduct research and development activities for production or 
propagation of bamboo.
SEC. 11. Department of Science and Technology for Research and 
Development - The Department of Science and Technology-Forest 
Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) shall be the 
main research and development arm of the Council for bamboo utilization. It 
shall work closely in coordination with the Center and other government 
agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Agricultural 
Research (DA-BAR) to innovate and advance sustainable bamboo industry 
development practices.
SEC. 12. Role of the Local Government Units. - Local Government Units 
(LGUs) in cooperation with the DENR, DTI and the DOST-FPRDI, and in 
consultation with the DA and the National Commission on Indigenous People 
(NCIP) when necessary, shall regularly conduct surveys of existing bamboo 
stands, nurseries and plantations in their respective localities, and shall 
strengthen the local bamboo industry by promoting bamboo enterprises in 
their respective localities.
SEC. 13. Establishment of Provincial, City and Municipal Bamboo 
Industry Development Councils and Bamboo Industry Development


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Programs. - LGUs shall, as far as practicable, establish their respective 
Bamboo Industry Development Councils.
LGUs shall regularly conduct a survey of existing bamboo stands, nurseries 
and plantation and bamboo enterprises in their respective localities.
Each local Bamboo Industry Development Council shall conduct a survey of 
existing bamboo clumps and bamboo processing enterprises that are 
operating in the locality.
SEC. 12. Provision of Incentives to Investors involved in Bamboo 
Development - The following incentives shall be provided to investors in 
plantation development and bamboo processing factories:
a) 
The Board of Investments shall classify bamboo nurseries and 
plantations as pioneer ahd bamboo processing as preferred areas of 
investment under its Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) subject to pertinent 
rules and regulations;
b) 
Plantation owners, including nursery facilities, bamboo processing and 
other related businesses ishall be exempt from the payment of import 
duties for imported machines and equipment subject to pertinent rules 
and regulations;
c) 
Plantation owners in public lands shall be exempt from the payment of 
forest charges that may be imposed by the national government and 
other fees or taxes imposed by LGUs;
d) 
Bamboo plantations shall not require a cutting permit for harvesting and 
a transport permit for transporting its produce: Provided, that such 
plantation is registered with the Community Environment and Natural 
Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR;
e) 
Expenses incurred, including those incurred in the development and 
operation of the bamboo plantation prior to commercial harvest shall be 
allowed as deductible expenses from gross income;
f) 
Bamboo plantations shajl be accepted as a collateral for loans in 
government financial institutions (GFIs);
g) 
The bamboo plantation developer and processors shall be given priority 
to access credit assistance and guarantee schemes being granted by 
GFIs; and
h) 
Bamboo plantations and plantation development equipment shall be 
covered by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation.
SEC. 12. Appropriations. - An amount of One Hundred Million Pesos 
(Phpl 00,000,000.00) to be sourced from the contingency fund of the Office of 
the President and the existing budget for bamboo industry development under
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the DTI is hereby appropriated for the initial budgetary requirements of this 
Act. Additionally, an amount of One Hundred Million Pesos 
(Php100,000,000.00) shall be sourced from the revenues of the Philippine 
Amusement and 
Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) 
for 
the 
effective
implementation of this Act.
Thereafter, such 
amount as may be necessary for 
the 
effective
implementation of this Act and for the continuous operation of the Center shall 
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
SEC. 13. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days 
from the effectivity of this Act, DTI, in consultation with the members of the 
Council and other relevant stakeholders, shall promulgate the necessary rules 
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.
SEC. 14. Separability Clause. - Should any provision herein be declared 
unconstitutional or invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the other 
provisions of this Act.
SEC. 15. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and 
regulations or other issuances or parts inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 16. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation.
Approved.