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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Batasan Wills, Queson City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

HiousE BILL No._7554

Introduced by Representative Florencio Gabriel “Bem” G. Noel and
Representative Josephine Veronique “Jaye” R. Lacson-Noel

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A Banig is a handwoven mat usually used in Philippines for sleeping and sitting. Depending on the
region of the Philippines, a mat is made of buri (palm), pandan, or sea grass leaves. The leaves are dried,
usually dyed, then cut into strips and woven into mats, which may be plain or intricate.

‘Among the towns in the Philippines which is famous for intricately designed mats is the Municipality
of Basey, Province of Samar. The mat production in Basey, Samar is an old but thriving industry. It is
believed that the people of Basey had been weaving mats long before the Spaniards came in the
Philippines. This century-old practice in Basey has been passed down from generation to generation
and has developed into a flourishing household industry which became a prime source of livelihood
specially among women in Basey, Samar.

The abundance of “Tikog” grass in the vicinity of Basey, without which mat making in Basey would
not be possible, is a major factor of the success of the industry. The aforementioned grass is the primary
material by which Basey mats are made. As of 2014, mat weaving industry occurs in 25 barangays
involving 342 household in Basey, Samar and only a total number of 177 tikog suppliers to the local
mat producers.' The use of tikog mat has expanded. Where once the age-old mat was used solely for
sleeping, it now adorns modem walls or ceiling panels. It has been turned into bags, throw pillows,
framed decors, as well as place mats and furniture matting. It is no surprise that there is now a scarcity
of the raw materials to produce the mat due to the effect of super typhoon Yolanda. Basey was one of
the most devastated areas in the region during the unforeseen disaster where its tikog was among the
most damaged.

‘The declining trend of tikog mat industry in Basey requires some intervention from the national
government for its swift recovery. In spite of rehabilitation efforts undertaken by the local government
as well as by various organizations, the lack of capital investment, lagging technology, lack of

+ *Product Chain of Tikog (Fimbristylist Globulosa) Mats in Basey, Samar Philippines” (2014)



engagement from the youth, among others, all contribute in stifling the industry from reaching its full
potential,

Therefore, there is a need to protect, support and develop the sikog industry through the creation of
Tikog Research and Development Center and Banig Subsidy Fund, as well as the recognition of Basey,
Samar as the “Banig Capital of the Philippines”.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is respectfully requested.

FLORENCIO GABRIEL “BEM” G. NOEL
Representative

An Waray Party-list

JOSEPHINE VERON! “JAYE” R. LACSON-NOEL
Representative
Malabon City, Lone District


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Republic of the Philippines

House of Representatives
Batasan Wills, Quezon City

Nineteenth Congress
First Regular Session

4idusE BIL'No. 7554

Representative Florencio Gabriel “Bem” G. Noel and
Representative Josephine Veronique “Jaye” R. Lacson-Noel

AN ACT
DEVELOPING THE TIKOG INDUSTRY, ESTABLISHING FOR THE PURPOSE THE
TIKOG RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER AND THE BANIG SUBSIDY FUND,
AND DECLARING THE MUNICIPALITY OF BASEY IN THE PROVINCE OF SAMAR AS
THE “BANIG CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES”

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Tikog Industry Development
Act”.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. —

Its the policy of the State to give priority to culture to foster patriotism and nationalism and
encourage and support researches and studies on culture. It is also the policy of the State to
promote and support industries that generate wider employment, foster a sustainable economy,
environment, and cultural resources of the nation. In pursuit thereof, the State shall recognize
the importance of Tikog as a sustainable source of livelihood and catalyst for economic boost
and cultural productivity.

It shall also be the policy of the State to foster the preferential use of locally- manufactured
goods which utilize local resources. To this end, the state shall adopt measures that will make
local industries competitive.

It is likewise the policy of the State to promote and accelerate the development and growth of,
the Province of Samar according to sound policies for economic, and social conditions of the
people, as well as to preserve local culture, heritage and traditions.


SEC. 3. Creation of the Tikog Research and Development Center. — Within one (1) year from
the approval of this Act, there shall be established a Tikog Research and Development Center
in the Province of Samar which shall be attached to the Samar State University in Catbalogan
City.

SEC. 4, Functions of the Tikog Research and Development Center. ~ ‘The Tikog Research
and Development Center shall exercise the following powers and functions:

a) Undertake and conduct researches and technical studies on the development,
production, management, and marketing of tikog and banig products and its other by-
products;

b)

Publish research studies, papers, articles, and other works or writings relating to tikog
and banig-weaving with the end goal of benefitting farmers, weavers, traders, and other
stakeholders;

°)

Train faculty members and other research personnel who will undertake research
studies on tikog and the banig-weaving traditions of the area in order to document and
preserve them, and to create the body of knowledge necessary in the formulation of
education and training programs designed to encourage the development of a creative
mass of local artisans, and the pursuit of entrepreneurial activities that showcase locally-
woven products;

d)

Formulate a Tikog and Banig-weaving Development Roadmap/Program;

°)

Formulate and Develop innovations in ikog propagation and banig production and
development as well as provide for the transfer and improvement of appropriate
technologies and techniques;

f) Provide technical support and assistance for sustainable tikog propagation and banig
production and other development activities to promote and provide adequate training
to farmers and individuals and other stakeholders engaged in tikog propagation, and
banig production, processing, and distribution in the Province of Samar;

8) Develop and provide marketing tools and intellectual property protection framework
for Tikog and Banig products and its other by-products, education and training programs

for tikog and banig farmers, weavers, product makers and entrepreneurs;

h) Establish standards in grading, sampling and inspection, tests and analysis,
specifications, packaging, preservation, conservation and transportation of tikog and
banig products and its other by-products;

ji) Assist and coordinate with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other
concerned government agencies for the participation of tikog farmers, banig farmers,
weavers, traders and exporters in local and international conferences, trade fairs,
expositions and exhibits;


i) Assist and coordinate with the Department of Education (DepEd) and other concerned
government agencies in developing and including a Tikog and Banig-weaving course
in the curriculum of select Senior High Schools in the Province of Samar;

k)

Coordinate with the local government units as well as concerned government agencies
and offices to consolidate all policies, programs and projects relating to tikog and banig-
weaving research and development; and

1) Perform such other functions and duties necessary or incidental to the promotion and
development of the Tikog and Banig-weaving Industry and in the accomplishment of
the goals and objectives of this Act.

SEC. 5. Banig Subsidy Fund. — To financially support and provide capital development to
tikog and banig production, weaving, trading, skills training and other related activities there
is hereby created a Banig Subsidy Fund which shall be included in the General Appropriations
Act.

SEC. 6. Banig Capital of the Philippines. —To help promote the abovementioned public policy
and further develop the local banig-weaving industry, the Municipality of Basey in the
Province of Samar is hereby declared as the Banig Capital of the Philippines.

SEC. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within sixty (60) days from effectivity of
this Act, the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) shall, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI),
Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and Samar State University, shall formulate
and prescribe the necessary implementing rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of
this Act.

SEC. 8. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the immediate implementation of this
Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

‘The amount to be appropriated shall be used primarily for development of the Tikog industry,
the Banig Subsidy Fund as well as to support the operation of the Tikog Research and
Development Center.

SEC. 9, Revolving Fund. Any and all savings and income of the Banig Subsidy Fund and
Tikog Research and Development Center shall constitute a revolving fund which shall not be
reverted to the General Fund but shall be utilize in the furtherance of its goals and objectives.

SEC. 10. Separability Clause. — \f any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the
remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 11. Repealing Clause. — All laws, presidential decrees or issuances, executive orders,
letters of instruction, administrative orders, rules or regulation inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act are hereby repealed.



SEC. 12. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the
Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,