Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGR $0 JUL 2018
First Regular Session

ILL NO, _ 2072 bike —

Introduced by Honorable Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia ~~ | ¥

HOUSE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘This bill seeks to declare Malunggay as the national vegetable of the
Philippines and the month of November as the “National Malunggay Month”

Malunggay (Moringa) is a fast growing tree in the Philippines. Known as a
“miracle vegetable” or “nature's medicine cabinet” by scientists and health care
workers from around the world, Malunggay is loaded with vitamins and minerals that
can be an effective remedy against many kinds of ailments. It has been promoted by
the World Health Organization (WHO) for the past 20 years as a low-cost health
enhancer in poor countries around the globe.

From the root trunk and branches to the leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds, all
parts of the Malunggay tree are usable for nutritional and medicinal purposes.
‘According to the Biotechnology Program Office of the Department of Agriculture, the
Malunggay has been found by biochemists and molecular anthropologists to be rich in
vitamins C and A, iron, and high density lipoprotein or good cholesterol, It is also
considered as an effective cure for illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension,
inflammations, infections, cancer and aging issues.

‘The Malunggay leaves alone contain a powerhouse of nutritional value: seven
times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the calcium in milk, four times the vitamin
A in carrots, two times the protein in milk and three times the potassium in bananas.
Malunggay contains more than 90 nutrients and 46 types of antioxidants. It has 18
amino acids, plenty of omega 3 oils and chlorophyll, plus 45 compounds with
antioxidant properties and 36 anti-inflammatory properties.

Malunggay trees can also help stabilize the soil and contribute to the fight
against deforestation. Because of its enormous benefits, planting Malunggay plants is
encouraged by the Department of Agriculture. Our country is presently expanding the
local market for Malunggay and its products with the aim of enhancing the
agribusiness potentials of various crops as part of the government's poverty-
alleviation and health care programs.

For the past years, Malunggay in the Philippines has been considered as a
backyard tree. Now, we can say that Malunggay can save lives, increase incomes,
generate millions of jobs, utilize vast tracts of idle agricultural lands, make the
Philippines globally competitive, impact local and international market, and help


attain socioeconomic equity. Malunggay tree is one of the most important plants that
deserve national and international promotion due to the many bio-medical endowment
and numerous socio-economic benefits that can be derived from it.

In line with the foregoing considerations, Malunggay deserves recognition by
declaring it as “The National Vegetable of the Philippines” and at the same time
declaring the month of November of every year as “The National Malunggay Month.”

In view of the foregoing, immediate passage of this bill is eamestly sought.

HON. MA. GHORGINA P. DE VENECIA
Fourt Disffict, Pangasinan


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2072

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Honorable Ma. Georgina P. De Venecia

AN ACT
DECLARING MALUNGGAY (MORINGA) AS “THE NATIONAL
VEGETABLE OF THE PHILIPPINES” AND THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER
OF EVERY YEAR AS “THE NATIONAL MALUNGGAY MONTH”

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

SECTION 1. Malunggay scientifically known as Moringa is hereby declared
‘as “The National Vegetable of the Philippines” and the whole month of November of
every year as “The National Malunggay Month.”

SEC. 2. The Secretary of Agriculture, in coordination with the Secretary of
Education, Secretary of Health and the Chairman of the National Commission for
Culture and the Arts shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the
implementation of this Act within sixty (60) days from approval thereof,

SEC. 3. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,