Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES S
pare, 3.1 JAN, 2018
SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS. TIME:
Second Regular Session \
HOUSE BILL NO. 7069

Introduced by Representatives Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano, Ramon “Red” H.
Durano VI, Evelina G. Escudero and Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippine Constitution (Article II, Section 16) provides that it is the policy of the
State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

This bill seeks to declare the month of September of every year as Philippine Bamboo
Month to recognize the ecological benefits of the bamboo in terms of minimizing soil erosion
and stabilizing river banks.

Considered as the tallest perennial grass due to its long cylindrical woody stem
strength and ease of workability, the bamboo is a versatile material for a variety of economic
uses: handicraft and furniture, farm implements; fishpen, fishcages and other fishing gears;
banana props; musical instruments; pulp and paper; and, house construction. Aside from
these, young shoots of some species are edible.

‘The World Bamboo Day is an annual global celebration on the 18” day of September
to increase public awareness on the significance of bamboo in protecting natural resources and
the environment, its potential to a more elevated exposure in order to ensure its sustainable
utilization and promote its traditional uses for community economic development.”

The resiliency of bamboo against various environmental disasters represents the
resilient spirit of the Filipino against similar vicissitudes in life; hence, there is a need to
promote into the consciousness of the Filipino people the importance of bamboo in their daily
lives.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

“RED” H. DURANO VI DEOGRACIAS )R “DV"/B. SAVELLANO.
sentative, 5" District, Cebu Representative

‘VELINA G. ESCUDERO JOS!

Representative, 1* District, Sorsogon Ri

' Humanity Development Library 2.0 (for sustainable development and basic human needs)
2 House Resolution No. 232, 17% Congress
> House Resolution No. 232, 17% Congress


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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS.
Second Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. ‘7069

Introduced by Representatives Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano, Ramon “Red” H.
Durano VI, Evelina G. Escudero and Jose L. Atienza, Jr.

AN ACT
DECLARING THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER OF EVERY YEAR AS PHILIPPINE
BAMBOO MONTH

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 “Philippine Bamboo Month Act.”

SEC. 2. Pursuant to Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution, it is the
policy of the State to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.

The State recognizes the significance of the Philippine bamboo in controlling soil
erosion and in land restoration as well as for its being resilient against environmental
disasters and thus represent the resilient spirit of the Filipinos against similar vicissitudes in
life.

SEC. 3. The month of September of every year is hereby declared as Philippine
Bamboo Month.

An annual program of activities for the observance of the Philippine Bamboo Month
shall be prepared and implemented with the Department of the Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) serving as the lead agency.

The Local Government Units shall support the DENR in all efforts to facilitate and
promote related activities and shall initiate the planting of bamboos in suitable areas within
their respective areas of jurisdiction.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days afier its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,