05 AUG 2014

Republic of the Philippines ha
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, \
Quezon City \

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 484 2

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

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. Asa 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 the construction of a coco coir tufting
plant facility in the Municipality of Gumaca, Quezon Province for the processing, of
coco coir fibers into exportable finished products.

Gumaea, a center of regional trade and commerce, is a first class municipality in the
Province of Quezon, also known as one of the biggest coconut-producing province in
the country. It is located at the mouth of what is now known as Pipisik River and
nestling at the foot of the Sierra Madre range. It is strategically aiaaled: as the gateway
to the Bicol Region, the Bondoc Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean through the islands of
Alabat, Perez and Quezon.

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

The construction of a coco coir tufting plant facility would help in accelerating rural
development by providing coconut farmers an opportunity 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.

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

P
QUA
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 BILL NO. 4812

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

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF COCO COIR TUFTING PLANT
FACILITY IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF GUMACA, QUEZON PROVINCE AND
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. There shall be established, under the supervision of the Department of
Agriculture, a Coco Coir Tufting Plant Facility in Gumaca, Quezon for the processing of
coco coir fibers into exportable finished products such as mats, ropes, twines and other
coir products.

SEC. 2. The Philippine Coconut Authority, in consultation with the Department of
Trade and Industry, shall draw up a business plan that will include a detailed
production study, market study, financial study and management study to make sure
the viability and feasibility of the project.

SEC. 3. The local government unit shall mobilize small coconut farmers’ organizations
and cooperatives and shall put up counterpart funds for the operationalization and
enhancement of the facility.

SEC. 4. The Department of Agriculture and appropriate agencies shall promulgate the
necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act.

SEC. 5. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's program the
construction and operationalization of the coco coir tufting plant facility in the
Municipality of Gumaca, Quezon Province, the funding of which shall be included in
the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 6. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in two (2)
newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,