Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BILLNo.__4814

Tan, MD.

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” DL.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Considered as the “golden fiber’, “bunot” or coco coir gives hope and holds so much
promise for countless coconut farmers in the country. Its many uses such as planting
medium additive, insulator, carpet, car seat stuffing, mat upholstery cushion, rope and
cordage, fishing net, flooring material, filtration pads, mattress fiber, pot liner, brush,
and coco nets for erosion control among many others have fostered its high export
demand.

In 2011, there was a 39.15% increase in the quantity of coco coir exports from 4.43
million kilograms worth US$974,586 in 2010 to 6.16 million kilograms worth US$2.01
million. As a result, the government aims to make heavy investments to further develop
the coconut industry and provide countryside development and employment.

In view thereof, this measure seeks to provide decorticating machines to small coconut
farmers’ organizations and multi-purpose cooperatives in every coconut-producing,
municipality and city in the country to help them produce the desired quantity and
quality of the coir fibers within a short period of time.

This initiative will help raise coconut farm incomes and strengthen small coconut
farmer groups or small medium entrepreneurs through the provision of essential
support facilities towards sustainable livelihood program.

The provision of decorticating machines to various coconut farming communities
would help in accelerating rural development by providing them opportunities for
income-generating and value-adding processes and would benefit the coconut industry
in meeting and sustain the increasing domestic and export demands for twines,
geotextiles nets and other coir products.

Hence, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

tin
ANGELINA “HELEN” D.L. TAN, M.D.
4" District, Quezon



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House BILLNo.__ 4814

Introduced by: Hon. Angelina “Helen” D.L. Tan, M.D.

AN ACT
PROVIDING COCONUT HUSK DECORTICATING FACILITIES TO COCONUT
FARMERS

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Kasaganaan sa Niyugan Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote coconut industry
and, more broadly, rural development. Specifically, the State aims to raise coconut farm
incomes to a level high enough to allow coconut farmers to satisfy their material needs
and enhance their self-esteem. It is also the policy of the State to encourage and
strengthen small coconut farmer groups or small medium entrepreneurs and provide
support facilities towards sustainable livelihood program for the coconut farming
communities.

SEC. 3. Provision of Coconut Husk Decorticating Facilities to Farmers. - The Department of
Agriculture shall provide low maintenance, high output mobile decorticating machines
to small coconut farmers’ organizations and multi-purpose cooperatives in every
coconut-producing municipality and city in the country.

SEC. 4. Funding. - The amount of One Hundred Million is initially appropriated for the
program. In subsequent years, the amount necessary to pursue the program shall be
incorporated in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within thirty (30) days from the effectivity
of this Act, the Department of Agriculture shall promulgate the necessary rules and
regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 6, Separability Clause. ~ If any provision of this Act or the application thereof is held
invalid or unconstitutional, the validity of other provisions not affected thereby, shall be
considered in full force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, proclamations, rules and
regulations, and other issuances inconsistent herewith, are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its
publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,