Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.8939

Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirino

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PILI INDUSTRY, CREATING
FOR THE PURPOSE PILI RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS,
ESTABLISHING THE PILI SUBSIDY FUND, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Philippines is the only country in the world devoted to large-scale commercial production of pili
and the country's largest pili producer is the province of Sorsogon.

Sorsogon accounts for more than half of the country's total pili production at 4,052 metric tons in
2015. Value Chain Analysis (VCA) conducted by the local and national level planning (I-PLAN)
shows that most of the big pili kemel processors in Bicol region get their supply of pili from
Sorsogon.

The pili tree can bring about multiple uses and benefits. Its kernel and pulp are excellent sources of
oil, used for baking and cooking. Its sap and oil are also used in cosmetic and pharmaceutical
products including soaps and perfumes. Lastly, its wood can be carved as furniture or home décor and
its shell can be used in making fashion accessories. Thus, there is great potential for pili’s global
commercial marketability.

Thus, this bill acknowledges the need to promote and support the pili industry, particularly in the
provinces of Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. Likewise, this bill affirms the duty of the State to
formulate policies and implement programs to ensure the sustainable growth of the pili industry for
the benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders.

This bill creates, within a year of the approval of this Act, a Pili Research and Development Center in
Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. This bill also establishes a Pili Subsidy Fund to support the pili industry
financially. Finally, this bill designates the Province of Sorsogon as the Pili Capital of the Philippines.

‘This measure previously passed the third reading in the 18* Congress. It was proposed by
Representatives Evelina G. Escudero, Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr.. Eric Go Yap, Ma. Bemardita B.
Ramos, Deogracias Victor “DV” B, Savellano, Jose “Jun” L. Ong, Jr., Sherlyn Bafias-Nograles, Aleta
C. Suarez, Conrado M, Estrella Ill. Kristine Singson-Meehan, Arnulfo “Amie” A. Teves, Jr.,
Christopher V.P. de Venecia, Joseph Stephen “Caraps” S. Paduano, Florencio G. Noel, Francisco
“Kiko” B. Benitez, Resurreccion M. Acop, Alfel M. Bascug, Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr., Alan B. Ecleo,
Jonathan Keith T. Flores, Joselito “Joel” S. Sacdalan, Noel L. Villanueva, Nestor B. Fongwan,


Angelo Marcos Barba, Manuel F. Zubiri, Micaela S. Violago, Faustino Michael Carlos T. Dy III,
Sharon S. Garin, Isagani S. Amatong, Arlene D. Brosas, Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales, Jr., Rose Marie
“Baby” J. Arenas, Jose L. Atienza, Jr., Ferdinand L. Hernandez, Rodante D. Marcoleta, Strike B.
Revilla, Rufus B. Rodriguez, Tyrone D. Agabas, Stella Luz A. Quimbo, Carlos Isagani T. Zarate,
Elenita Milagros "Eileen" Ermita-Buhain, Lorna P. Bautista-Bandigan, Luis N. Campos, Jr., Junie E,
Cua, Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, Paul Ruiz Daza, Rudys Caesar I G. Farifias, Vincent Franco “Duke” D.
Frasco, Greg G. Gasataya, Ed Christopher Go, Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, Sandro L. Gonzalez, Teodorico
TT. Haresco, Jr., Romeo M. Jalosjos, Jr., Jocelyn Sy Limkaichong, Romeo S. Momo, Sr., Corazon T.
Nufiez-Malanyaon, Manuel T. Sagarbarria, Joey Sarte Salceda, David “Jay-Jay” C. Suarez, “Kuya”
Jose Antonio R. Sy-Alvarado, Alfred Vargas, Antonio “Tonypet” T, Albano, Fernando T. Cabredo,
Carl Nicolas C. Cari, Sergio C. Dagooc, Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr., Alfred C. Delos Santos, Abdullah D.
Dimaporo, Mohamad Khalid Q. Dimaporo, Faustino “Inno” A. Dy V, Jocelyn F. Fortuno, Ramon
“Mon-Mon” V. Guico III, Eduardo “Eddie” R. Gullas, Godofredo N. Guya, Ann K. Hofer, Cesar
“Jawo” L. Jimenez, Jr., Glona G. Labadlabad, Maricel G. Natividad-Nagafio, Pablo C Ortega, Joy
‘Myra S. Tambunting, Alyssa Sheena P. Tan, John Reynald M. Tiangco, Diego “Nonoy” C. Ty,
Samantha Louise Vargas Alfonso, Rosanna “Ria” V. Vergara, Michael T. Defensor, Sandra Y.
Eriguel, M.D., Ferdinand R. Gaite, Mark ©. Go, Virgilio S. Lacson, Florida "Rida" P, Robes,
Estrellita B. Suansing, and Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga as principal authors thereof.

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



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.8939

Introduced by Representative Midy N. Cua
Lone District, Quirino

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE PILI INDUSTRY, CREATING
FOR THE PURPOSE PILI RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTERS,
ESTABLISHING THE PILI SUBSIDY FUND, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

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

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote and support
the pili industry in the country, particularly in the provinces of Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. Towards
this end, the State shall formulate policies and implement programs to ensure the sustainable growth of
the industry for the benefit of the farmers and other stakeholders, thus securing a source of livelihood

and employment for the citizenry.

SEC. 3. Creation of Pili Research and Development Centers. ~ Within a year from the approval of this
Act, there shall Sorsogon be created a Pili Research and Development Center in Sorsogon which shall
be attached to the Sorsogon State College in Sorsogon City, and in Camarines Sur, which shall be
attached to the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture,

SEC. 4. Functions of the Pili Research and Development Center. - The Pili Research and
Development Center shall have the following powers and functions:

a) Conduct researches and technical studies on the development, production, management, and
marketing of pili nuts and its buy-products;

b) Provide technical assistance and support to pili farmers and other stakeholders in the Bicol
Region;

©) Acquire, develop and propagate improved plant materials;
d) Develop appropriate technologies beneficial to the pili industry;
©) Train faculty members and other research personnel who will undertake research and

development work on pili and necessary disciplines related to pili production, utilization, and
marketing;


£) Publish and disseminate research studies, papers, articles, and other works or writings relating
to pili on regular basis with the end goal of benefiting pili farmers and other stakeholders
nationwide;

2) Coordinate with the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR) to consolidate all policies, programs and projects on pili research
and development; and

h) Perform such other functions and duties necessary or incidental to the promotion and
development of the pili industry.

SEC. 5. Pili Subsidy Fund. ~ There is hereby established a Pili Subsidy Fund which shall be the used
to financially support the pili industry. The fund shall be exclusively used for the following:

a) Pili tree planting and cultivation; and
b) Skills training and capital development for the pili industry.

SEC. 6. Pili Capital of the Philippines. - The Province of Sorsogon shall be designated as the Pili
Capital of the Philippines.

SEC. 7. Appropriations. — The amount necessary for the immediate implementation of this Act shall
be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 8. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~ Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act,
the DA and DENR shall, in collaboration with DTI, DOST, the Sorsogon State College, and the
Central Bicol State University in Agriculture, issue and promulgate the necessary rules and regulations
to implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 9, Separability Clause. — If any provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, all other
provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.

SEC. 10. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations or parts
thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 11. Effectivity. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official
Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,