Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6412

Introduced by Hon. Salvador B. Belaro Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE!

With the worsening effects of climate change, researches and the
applications of natural remedies such as using plants absorbing carbon dioxide
(CO» and other pollutants would be an in-demand societal investment.

One such plant is Kenaf, which is suitable to our tropical climate and
which can grow in almost all kinds of soil, is resistant to climactic extremes,
pests and diseases, and which has been proven to be an effective antidote to
global warming. It absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere more
than any other crop—about 1.5 tons of CO» is needed for a production of 1 ton
dry matter of Kenaf. It means that every hectare of Kenaf consumes 30-40 tons
of CO for each growing cycle. During a single growing cycle, each hectare of
Kenaf consume the amount of CO; that exhaust from 20 cars in whole year. It
can also absorb toxic elements, such as heavy metals from the soil.

Also, it is noteworthy that the demand for Kenaf worldwide is rising,
especially for composite material use. The global demand for natural fibers is
growing at 10 to 15 percent annually, including Kenaf. In fact, China,
Bangladesh, Thailand and Myanmar contribute 95 percent of global Kenaf
production, which totals three million tons a year.

* Buac, Arsenio Jr. P., Cultivation and Production of Environment-Friendly Kenaf Plant and Diversified
Application of Kenof Fibers.


Despite the vulnerability that the Philippines is experiencing in view of
the continuous havoc of climate change, it is vital that it takes an active role in
providing and promoting a greener solution.

In view of the foregoing, passage of this legislation is earnestly sought.

Aa
CONG. SALVADOR B. BELARO, JR.
Representative
1-Ang Edukasyon Party List


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. 6412 _

Introduced by: Hon. Salvador B. Belaro Jr.

AN ACT
PROMOTING THE CULTIVATION, PRODUCTION, PROCESSING,
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION OF KENAF PLANT FOR ITS.
ANTI-GLOBAL WARMING SIGNIFICANCE, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Kenaf Cultivational Promotion
Act of 2017”.

SECTION 2. It is the policy of the State to give priority to research and
development, invention, innovation, and their utilization; and to science and
technology education, training, and services. It shall also support indigenous,
appropriate, and self-reliant scientific and technological capabilities, and their
application to the country’s productive systems and national life.

The Constitution provides that the State shall protect and advance the
right of the people and their prosperity to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony and nature.


SECTION 3. The Kenaf Biotechnology Laboratory (Kenaf BioLab) is hereby
created, under the supervision of the Philippine Fiber and Industry Development
Authority (FIDA) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The Kenaf BioLab shall conduct researches in an all-out promotion of
both the small-scale and commercial cultivation of Kenaf in suitable areas of the
country and provide the lead in hamessing the technology in cultivating Kenaf,
and the efficient processing, marketing, and distribution of Kenaf products.

SECTION 4. The Department of Agriculture through FIDA, in coordination
with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is herein tasked to
formulate the implementing rules and regulations.

SECTION 5. An initial amount of One Hundred Million Pesos
(P100,000,000.00) necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be
included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 6. If any provision hereof is held invalid or unconstitutional, the
remainder of the law or provision not otherwise affected shall remain valid and
subsisting.

SECTION 7. All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 8. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

‘Approved.