HOUS«. OF REPRESENTATIVES
RECEIVED
pave:! 7 JUL 2018

Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City i. 7
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS BY:
First Regular Session
370 RECISTRATION UNIT
House BiLNo._! BULS AND INDEX SERVICE

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

AN ACT PROVIDING COCONUT HUSK DECORTICATING FACILITIES TO
COCONUT FARMERS

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 cocomut-
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.

ANGELINA “HELI
4 District, Quezon


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 1370

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, shalll 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,