Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

a 300

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Despite the need to provide for increasing local demand for rice,
local rice farmers and producers are also able to tap a huge export
market for certain varieties of rice, particularly that of the aromatic and
fancy kind, which are highly favored internationally in making specialty
rice cuisine.

Whereas, in the past, exportation of rice has been severely
regulated, there have arisen opportunities to earn and establish ourselves
in the international market for specialty rice that warrant a change of
policy. The growing popularity of aromatic rice dishes, not only in Asia
and the Middle East but also in the United States, Canada and Europe,
has sparked demand for the Jasmine rice of Thailand, the Basmati
varieties of India and Pakistan, and other varieties and grades which
Provide a natural aroma when cooked, such as those already locally
developed.

By supporting local production of such aromatic and fancy rice
varieties and authorizing their exportation, the National Government can
help set the Philippines again as a major player in the international rice
market.

Considering the merits of this bill, its early approval is earnestly
requested.

Us
LUIS R.| VILLAFUERTE


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Curzon City
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

HOUSE BILLNo. 900

AN ACT TO PROMOTE THE PRODUCTION OF AROMATIC RICE AND
FANCY RICE VARIETIES AND TO AUTHORIZE THE
EXPORTATION THEREOF

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared a policy,
that whereas the country is striving to attain self-sufficiency in rice
production in the ordinary, hybrid and other varieties of rice for domestic
consumption, it is important and critical that we open up opportunities for
the production and exportation of aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties
which command a premium in the world market.

The provision of existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, the
National Food Authority is hereby empowered to directly export, or
through accredited export producers and traders, aromatic rice and fancy
rice varieties, preferably those organically grown, as these are in high
demand in international markets.

Sec. 2. Aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties for export. The

aromatic rice and fancy rice varieties that may be authorized for export


under this Act shall include: Sinampaguita; Denorado; Milagrosa;
Sinandomeng; Maligaya Selection 3, 6 and 8; College # 22; UPLB Rice #
5 and 7 and such other varieties as the National Food Authority may
determine, after production trials and market analysis, and thereby
declared to be marketable for export.

Sec. 3. Means of support. The National Food Authority shall
encourage the production of such identified aromatic rice and fancy rice
varieties through direct technical assistance, funding support, stand-by
purchase commitments, or, in cooperation with government or private
sector institutions, formulate and implement production and export
programs for such varieties of rice.

Sec. 4, Effectivity. This Act shall take effect immediately upon its
approval.

Approved.