Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session
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HOUSE BILL NO. 1755 LS AND He me » sir
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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 ALABAT, PROVINCE OF
QUEZON AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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.

Along these lines, this measure seeks to provide the construction of a coco coir
tufting plant facility in the Municipality of Alabat, Province of Quezon for the processing
of coco coir fibers into exportable finished products.

Quezon is one of the biggest coconut-producing provinces in the country and this,
initiative will help raise coconut farm incomes and strengthen small coconut farmer
groups or small medium entrepreneurs in the province, particularly in the Municipality
of Alabat, 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.

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



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1755

HOUSE BILL NO.

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 ALABAT, PROVINCE OF
QUEZON 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 (DA), a coco coir tufting plant facility for the processing of coco coir fibers
into exportable finished products such as mats, ropes, twines and other coir products in
the Municipality of Alabat, Province of Quezon

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 ensure the
viability and feasibility of the project.

SEC. 3. The Secretary of Agriculture shall include in the Department's programs
the construction of the coco coir tufting plant facility in the Municipality of Alabat,
Province of Quezon, the funding of which shall be included in the annual General
Appropriations Act. The local government unit concerned shall set aside from any
available local revenue an amount deemed appropriate for their operationalization.

SEC. 4. The DA shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to
implement this Act.

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,