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Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2980 
Introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Yedda 
Marie K. Romualdez, Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY BY 
STRENGTHENING 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
BAMBOO 
INDUSTRY 
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, CREATING THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PROVIDING INCENTIVES 
FOR BAMBOO PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Philippine bamboo industry has strong potential to drive sustainable 
development, rural employment, and environmental protection. As a fast-growing 
and versatile resource, bamboo benefits multiple sectors such as construction, 
furniture, and bioenergy. Despite this, the industry remains underdeveloped and 
lacks a cohesive approach. 
This bill seeks to establish the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development 
Program (PBIDP) as a comprehensive national strategy to promote the sustainable 
growth and competitiveness of the bamboo industry. The PBIDP shall serve as the 
central framework for formulating and implementing action plans and projects 
geared toward the scientific propagation, development and management, processing, 
utilization, business development, and commercialization of Philippine bamboo and 
bamboo-based products. 
August 4, 2025
5:00 pm


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In alignment with the State’s policy to protect and advance the right of the 
people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony 
of nature1, this bill underscores the need for an institutionalized and strategic 
approach to harnessing the full potential of the bamboo sector. 
This measure was also filed during the 19th Congress and was primarily 
referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Food, where it was approved on third 
and final reading by the House of Representatives. 
In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly requested. 
FERDINAND MARTIN G. ROMUALDEZ 
YEDDA MARIE K. ROMUALDEZ 
ANDREW JULIAN K.  ROMUALDEZ 
JUDE A. ACIDRE 
1Section 16, Article II of the 1987 Constitution 


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
House of Representatives 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
Twentieth Congress 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2980
Introduced by Representatives Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Yedda 
Marie K. Romualdez, Andrew Julian K. Romualdez and Jude A. Acidre 
AN ACT 
PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY BY 
STRENGTHENING 
THE 
PHILIPPINE 
BAMBOO 
INDUSTRY 
DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, CREATING THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY 
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PROVIDING INCENTIVES 
FOR BAMBOO PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER 1 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Philippine Bamboo 
Industry Development Act.” 


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SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the policy of the State to promote and support 
industries that generate employment especially in the rural areas, reduce poverty, 
foster a sustainable environment, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 
 
It shall also be the policy of the State to foster a self-reliant and independent 
economy that supports indigenous, scientific and technological capabilities, and 
skills. To this end, the State shall recognize the strategic importance of the bamboo 
as a sturdy, versatile, and replenishable material that can be a sustainable source of 
livelihood and catalyst for agricultural productivity. 
 
The State shall likewise ensure the integrated and continuous development of 
the Philippine bamboo industry through policies and programs that encourage the 
planting of bamboo, accelerate the development of bamboo-based products and 
designs, and promote Philippine bamboo products in international markets. It shall 
establish a program for a sustainable utilization, propagation and promotion of 
bamboo as furniture, food, construction and design material, and other uses. 
 
SEC. 3. The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program. – The Philippine 
Bamboo Industry Development Council, herein after referred to as the Council, shall 
formulate the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program, herein after 
referred to as the Program which shall include plans of actions and projects for the 
scientific propagation, development and management, processing, utilization, 
business development, and commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo 
products, through the cooperation of all stakeholders of the industry that include 


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producers of raw materials, processors, marketing and promotion service providers, 
and concerned national agencies and local government units (LGUs). 
 
SEC. 4. Objectives of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program. – 
The Program shall aim to make the Philippine bamboo industry competitive in the 
local and global markets and provide opportunities for local employment and the 
establishment of bamboo-based community enterprises. The Program shall: 
 
(a) Ensure that the bamboo industry has sufficient quality raw materials through 
the establishment and management of bamboo nurseries and plantations; 
 
(b) Ensure that the bamboo industry continuously receives from the research and 
development sector information about relevant technologies and new 
products; 
 
(c) Ensure that the industry receives pertinent and accurate data from the PBIDC 
upon which the industry can make business decisions; 
 
(d) Promote investment in the bamboo industry by providing substantial 
incentives to investors and encouraging the establishment of bamboo 
plantations and bamboo processing operations; 
 
(e) Provide skilled labor and manpower through continuous relevant capacity 
building; 
 


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(f) Provide continuous training and capacity building in bamboo plantation 
operations, bamboo processing, and product development and design; 
 
(g) Ensure provision of locally manufactured machines of improved capacity and 
quality at competitive costs; 
 
(h) Ensure markets of bamboo products locally and globally; and 
 
(i) Ensure sustainable resources for implementing the bamboo industry 
development program. 
 
SEC. 5. Role of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council. – The 
Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, created under Executive Order 
No. 879, series of 2010, hereinafter referred to as the Council, shall provide the 
overall policy and program directions of various agencies and instrumentalities to 
ensure the implementation of the Program. 
 
The Council shall be administratively attached to the Department of Trade 
and Industry (DTI) and shall be composed of the following: 
 
(a) Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as Chairperson; 
(b) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); 
(c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA); 
(d) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd); 
(e) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); 
(f) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); 


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(g) Executive Director of the Bamboo Industry Research and Development 
Center; 
(h) Chairperson of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples; 
(i) National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines; 
(j) Executive Director of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; 
(k) Two (2) Representatives from Non-Government Organizations; 
(l) One Representative from a reputable private industry association; and 
(m) 
One Representative each from the Bamboo Farmers, the Bamboo 
Manufacturers, and the Bamboo Processors’ Associations. 
 
The Council shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary 
for the attainment of the objectives of this Act. 
 
SEC. 6. Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center. – The Bamboo 
Industry Research and Development Center, hereinafter referred to as the Center, is 
hereby created to serve as the secretariat of the Council. It shall be headed by an 
Executive Director and shall consist of divisions as may be necessary to ensure the 
effective implementation of the goals and objectives of the Center, including the 
following functions: research and development; trade promotion and education; 
networking and linkages; internal administration and finance; and such other 
divisions as may be necessary. 
 
The organizational structure, staffing pattern and compensation schedule of 
the Center shall be prepared in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. 
Other member agencies of the Council shall provide additional administrative and 


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technical staff support to the Center upon the determination by the Council of the 
necessity for such augmentation. 
 
The Center shall perform the following powers and functions: 
 
(a) Promote and encourage the establishment and management of bamboo 
nurseries, plantations and processing facilities that would accelerate the 
production and commercialization of bamboo and various bamboo products; 
 
(b) Promote the commercialization and market access of appropriate, innovative 
and viable bamboo industry development technologies and products; 
 
(c) Monitor and evaluate the performance of bamboo industry development 
programs and projects; 
 
(d) Coordinate and partner with other government agencies in the 
implementation of bamboo industry development programs and projects; 
 
(e) Coordinate and partner with the private sector, people's organizations and 
non-governmental organizations, and the academe in providing assistance 
on matters pertaining to bamboo industry development; 
 
(f) Accept grants, donations and contributions from local and international 
donors and such similar sources of funds for the implementation of the 
provisions of this Act, subject to the usual budget, accounting and auditing 
rules and regulations; 


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(g) Conduct capability-building initiatives for farmers, processors, designers, 
and other stakeholders in the bamboo industry; 
 
(h) Conduct research and development in partnership with appropriate 
government agencies to advance sustainable bamboo industry development 
practices; 
 
(i) Supervise the implementation of the plans and programs of the Council; 
 
(j) Manage and administer the projects identified by the Council; 
 
(k) Conduct, in cooperation or partnership with appropriate government 
agencies, a periodic review of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development 
Roadmap; and 
 
(l) Submit periodic reports to the Council on the progress and accomplishment 
of programs and projects. 
 
SEC. 7. The Executive Director of the Center. – The Executive Director shall be 
appointed by the Chairperson of the Center with the approval of the Council. The 
Executive Director shall be a citizen and resident of the Philippines and must possess 
executive and management experience of at least three (3) years, and considerable 
knowledge about the bamboo industry. 
 


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In addition, the Executive Director shall have the following powers and 
functions: 
 
(a) Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center; 
(b) Provide technical and administrative support to the Council; 
(c) Assist the Council in the performance of its tasks; and 
(d) Perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be necessary 
to implement this Act. 
 
SEC. 8. Support to the Program by Local Government Units. – Local government 
units (LGUs) shall participate in the implementation of the Program. All provinces, 
cities, and municipalities shall establish a Bamboo Industry Development Council 
and shall endeavor to capacitate agricultural workers and encourage entrepreneurs 
in harvesting and post-harvesting operations. 
 
Provincial governments shall formulate and implement their respective 
bamboo industry development programs within two (2) years from the enactment of 
this law. 
 
SEC. 9. Incentives for Bamboo in Plantation Development. – Investors in bamboo 
plantation development shall enjoy the following incentives: 
 
(a) Exemption from the payment of rent for the use of government lands for 
commercial bamboo plantation for the first five (5) years of operation 
reckoned from the date of the first harvest of the plantation; 
 


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(b) In the case of private plantations, exemption from the requirement to secure 
a cutting permit for the harvesting of bamboo and a transport permit for as 
long as the plantation is registered with the Community Environment and 
Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR: Provided, That the 
plantation owner shall inform the CENRO about the date of harvest, and the 
estimated volume of the harvest. Inventory of the plantation prior to harvest 
shall not be required. All CENROs shall approve and enter into a registry, the 
names of private bamboo plantation investors; 
 
(c) Exemption from the payment of forest charges and other fees for taxes that 
local government units may impose; 
 
(d) Access to development loans from public financial institutions for plantation 
developers; 
 
(e) Insurance coverage of plantations and plantation development equipment by 
the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation; 
 
(f) Tax free importation of plantation development equipment, including tree 
nursery facilities, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as 
the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); 
 
(g) To claim expenses incurred for plantation operations as deductible expenses 
for income tax purposes, subject to the provisions of the National Internal 
Revenue Code of 1997, as amended: Provided, That the deduction shall only 
apply to the taxable period when the expenses were incurred; 


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(h) To claim as ordinary and necessary expenses or as capital expenditure 
expenses incurred in the development and operation of a bamboo plantation 
prior to the initial commercial harvest; 
 
(i) Prioritized access for plantation developers to credit assistance from 
government-owned, controlled or supported financial institutions; 
(j) Acceptance of plantation as collateral for loans in government-owned-or-
controlled banks; 
 
(k) In the case of a tenured developer, entitlement to fair compensation upon the 
premature termination of the agreement at no fault of the holder: Provided, 
That all depreciable permanent and semi-permanent improvements such as 
roads, buildings, and nurseries including the planted and standing trees and 
other forest crops introduced and retained in the area, shall be properly 
evaluated: Provided, further, That the amount of compensation shall be 
mutually agreed upon by both the Department and the tenure-holder: 
Provided, finally, That in case of disagreement between them, the matter shall 
be submitted to arbitration by a mutually acceptable and impartial third party 
adjudicator;` 
 
(l) No volume restriction in the exportation of bamboo culms from plantation; 
 
(m) Tax free importation of processing equipment by processors engaged in 
bamboo industry, pursuant to the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act 
(CMTA); and 


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(n) Inclusion in the annual investment program of the National Economic 
Development Authority of industrial bamboo plantations in forest lands and 
priority access to funds from external and internal sources. 
 
SEC. 10. Appropriations. – The funds necessary to carry out the initial 
implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year’s budget of the 
DTI. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation 
of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. 
 
SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days after the 
effectivity of this Act, the DTI and the Council shall, in coordination with the DENR, 
and DOST promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act. 
 
SEC. 12. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act or part hereof is declared 
invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration 
shall remain in full force and effect. 
 
SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. – All laws, executive and administrative orders, rules 
and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended 
accordingly. 
 
SEC. 14. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved,