NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Third Regular Session
of tliP ■
24 JUN20 P3:15
SENATE
Senate Bill No.
Introduced by Sen. CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
URGING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND EXPORT 
PROMOTION OF THE MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA), LOCALLY KNOWN 
AS "MALUNGGAY", AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Malunggay "Moringa oieifera", often called the "miracle tree" is a plant of 
great nutritional value and cultural significance in the Philippines. Its leaves are 
packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are crucial for 
combating malnutrition and enhancing public health. The leaves of this nutrient-rich 
plant help boost the immune system, improve skin health, and support metabolic 
functions, making it a valuable resource for the health of children, pregnant women, 
and the general population.
Economically, Malunggay presents significant opportunities for local farmers 
and entrepreneurs. It is an easy-to-cultivate crop that thrives in various soil types 
and climates, requiring minimal use of water and pesticides. Leaves can be 
harvested after plants grow up to 2 meters, usually after a year. The plant's 
versatility allows for the production of a wide range of products, including nutritional 
supplements, cooking oil, teas, and cosmetics, which have growing markets both 
locally and internationally. Promoting Malunggay cultivation and processing can drive 
rural development, create jobs, and alleviate poverty in the Philippines.
Environmentally, Malunggay is a sustainable crop that supports soil health 
and adapts to climate change. Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion and 
enhances nutrient retention, while its drought resistance and minimal water needs 
make it an ideal crop for sustainable agriculture. These characteristics contribute to 
more flexible farming systems and better environmental stewardship.
Culturally, Malunggay is deeply embedded in Filipino culinary traditions and 
everyday life. It is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes, reflecting its role in 
promoting dietary diversity and food security. This widespread cultural acceptance 
further underscores the importance of supporting and enhancing Malunggay 
cultivation and use. All its parts, including leaves, pods, bark, seeds, fruits, and 
roots, are packed with nutritional and healing properties, earning it the nickname


"The Miracle Tree." It is a source of 49 vitamins and minerals and essential amino 
acids, and it is also known for its abundant medicinal benefits.
Undernourishment and malnutrition have been long-standing problems in the 
Philippines, affecting millions of its population. Various technologies have been 
developed to address these issues. Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)—one of the 
featured commodities in a Technology and Investment Profiles monograph series 
published by the Southeast Asian Center for Graduate Study and Research in 
Agriculture (SEARCA)—has shown high potential in combating malnutrition and 
hunger. Its use and consumption have been promoted by the World Health 
Organization (WHO) as a low-cost health enhancer in poor countries around the 
globe.
Moringa powder is typically sold to domestic markets such as pharmaceutical 
companies, natural health product manufacturers, bakeries, and supermarkets, and 
is also exported to countries such as Japan, South Korea, the United States, and 
various European nations. The global moringa market is estimated at US$4 billion, 
according to the India-based Advanced Biofuel Center, which conducts the annual 
global Moringa Meet in India to help Moringa farmers worldwide understand the crop 
and add value to their businesses. India currently supplies 80% of the world's 
demand for moringa products.
Encouraging partnerships between government, academic institutions, and 
the private sector will help develop a robust Malunggay industry, ensuring its 
contribution^ to health, economic development, and environmental sustainability for 
the benefit of the entire nation.
Given the importance of the Malunggay in the Philippines, the immediate 
passage of this Bill is necessary.
CYNTHIA A. VILLAR


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
)
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Third Regular Session 
)
\i'of ti)f £■■ . ’:.
24 JUN20 P3:15
SENATE
Introduced by Sen. CYNTHIA A. VILLAR
AN ACT
URGING THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNING, DEVELOPMENT, AND EXPORT 
PROMOTION OF THE MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA), LOCALLY KNOWN 
AS "MALUNGGAY", AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
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SECT lON 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Moringa
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Development Act."
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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to
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develop and promote a globally competitive moringa industry with the objective of
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increasing moringa farmers, income, addressing the nutritional and health needs of
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our people, and encouraging trade and industry.
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SEC. 3. Development of Moringa. - The Department of Agriculture (DA), in
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consultation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR),
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Department of Science and Technology (DOST), moringa growers' cooperatives and
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organizations, local government units, and the private sector, shall formulate a one-
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year framework to be validated and updated annually. Such framework shall serve as
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guide to the lormulation and implementation of plans, programs and projects for the
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production, marketing, processing and distribution of moringa for food and
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commercial needs, as envisioned in this Act. The framework shall likewise provide for
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the following:


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a. National Framework - The DA, DOST, state universities and colleges 
(SUCs) and other stakeholders shall strengthen the conduct of 
researches on moringa particularly on areas of crop improvement, crop 
protection, harvesting and postharvest handling supply chain analysis, 
marketing and promotion;
b. Investment Promotion and Facilitation - The DA and DTI shall develop 
programs establishing links between stakeholders in the moringa 
industry and Government Financial Institutions (GFIs) and other financial 
cooperatives. The DA and DTI shall likewise develop and implement 
programs that would establish reasonable and innovative investment 
mcentive to attract more players in the moringa industry;
c. Export Promotion Support - An integrated and strategic export 
promotion program for moringa industry shall be created. The export 
promotion program shall be responsive to market conditions, needs of 
the exporters, and possibilities offered by new products and 
technologies. It shall likewise provide foreign trade and export promotion 
activities through trainings, technical assistance, capacity building, 
generating awareness on export opportunities and export planning 
assistance;
d. Strengthen Trade Policies and Support Network - The DA shall be 
responsible in coordinating a consultative approach for the various 
stages of the trade policy making process. The Department of Foreign 
Affairs (DFA) shall lead the negotiation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) 
to provide a competitive environment for moringa exports abroad; and
e. Monitoring and Evaluation - The DA shall continuously monitor, track, 
and analyze the progress and outcomes of the programs to be 
implemented to determine over-all effectiveness.
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SEC. 4. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to implement this Act shall be
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included in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). Thereafter, such funds as


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may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in 
the succeeding annual GAA.
SEC. 5. Repeating Clause. - All provisions of existing laws, orders and 
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified 
accordingly.
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If for any reason any part or provision of this 
Act shall be deemed unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions hereof 
shall not be affected and shall remain in force and effect.
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SEC. 7. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) after its publication 
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,