Bamboo Products Procurement Act

Senate Office of the secterary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 25 AUG -7 P6:12 First Regular Session ) SENATE RECEIVED BY: Senate Bill No. 1153 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT MANDATING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST 25% OF THEIR BUDGET FOR FURNITURE AND FIXTURES TO PRODUCTS MADE OF ENGINEERED BAMBOO AND OTHER BAMBOO-BASED COMMODITIES EXPLANATORY NOTE Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015 by all United Nations Member States, the Philippines, through its policies and programs, has shown its commitment to achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which are at the core of the Agenda. In 2019, following an assessment of the country's readiness to implement the SDGs, the Subcommittee on SDGs was created under the Development Budget Coordination Committee to guide the integration of the SDGs into the Philippine Development Plan and related sectoral plans and ensure that programs connected to the goals are identified, monitored, and funded. 1 Recognizing that the State is a major consumer of goods and services and in order to contribute to the country's commitment to achieving the SDGs, this bill seeks to mandate all government agencies and local government units (LGUs) to allocate at least 25% of their annual budget for furniture and fixtures for the purchase of engineered bamboo and bamboo-based products. Bamboo, known for its strength, durability, and versatility, is an ideal choice for the production and use of sustainable products. As it plays a vital role in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, improvement of livelihood, and land restoration, bamboo is also widely considered a major contributor to global efforts to achieve the 17 SDGs, particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and 1 DEPDev. Sub-committee on SDGs. Available at https://sdg.depdev.gov.ph/sub-committee-on-sdgs/ (Accessed on 01 July 2025).

Communities), Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 15 (Life on Land).2 Hence, under this measure, the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council, created pursuant to Executive Order No. 879, series of 2010, would be tasked with formulating plans and programs to boost bamboo production, promote private sector innovation in the development of engineered bamboo and bamboo-based products, and ensure that government agencies and LGUs comply with the mandated allocation requirement. Such programs would help create opportunities for local manufacturers, artisans, and farmers, contributing to inclusive growth and rural development. Given that the Philippines is the sixth largest exporter of bamboo worldwide, with an estimated 39,000 to 53,000 hectares of bamboo stands, 3 the country is in a unique position to harness this sustainable resource for broader national benefit. By implementing targeted policies and programs, the government can revitalize the bamboo industry while promoting environmental conservation, sustainable development, and innovation. For these reasons, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. JOEL VILLANUEVA 2 International Network for Bamboo & Rattan. Bamboo, Rattan and the SDGs. Available at https://www.un.org/esa/forests/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/INBAR_input_AHEG2016.pdf (Accessed on 01 July 2025). DOST-PCAARRD. Bamboo Industry Profile. Available at https://ispweb.pcaarrd.dost.gov.ph/bamboo/ (Accessed on 01 July 2025).

Senate Offer of the Sractar? TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 25 AUG -7 P6:12 SENATE RECEIVED BY Senate Bill No. 1153 Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA AN ACT MANDATING GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST 25% OF THEIR BUDGET FOR FURNITURE AND FIXTURES TO PRODUCTS MADE OF ENGINEERED BAMBOO AND OTHER BAMBOO-BASED COMMODITIES 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 "Bamboo Products

Procurement Act. "

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to promote

sustainable development, environmental conservation, and the utilization of renewable resources as part of its commitment to the United Nations 2030 Agenda for 6 Sustainable Development and the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development 7 Goals. Towards this end, the State shall implement a procurement program geared 8 towards responsible and sustainable consumption and production. As a bulk consumer of goods and services, the State shall use this power to stimulate the production of sustainable materials through the products and services it utilizes. For this purpose, the State shall ensure the integration of bamboo, a recognized 12 versatile, renewable, and resilient material, into policies and programs in order to 13 encourage its continuous development and foster sustainability, environmental protection, and inclusive growth.

SEC. 3. Allocation of Budget for Bamboo Products. -

a) All agencies, departments, bureaus, offices, and instrumentalities of the national government, as well as local government units (LGUs), shall allocate a minimum of twenty-five percent (25%) of their annual furniture and fixtures budget for the procurement of engineered bamboo and bamboo-based products. b) The allocation shall cover a wide range of engineered bamboo and bamboo- based products, such as: (1) bamboo-based construction materials, including bamboo poles, boards, and laminates; (2) bamboo furniture and fixtures; (3) bamboo handicrafts and artworks; (4) bamboo fiber and textiles; (5) bamboo-based packaging and paper products; and (6) bamboo charcoal and other value-added bamboo products.

SEC. 4. Functions 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, in addition to its existing functions, undertake the following: a) Implement programs to encourage and provide incentives to the private sector to develop, innovate, and create products using engineered bamboo and bamboo-based products; b) Conduct annual fairs or exhibits showcasing products using engineered bamboo or bamboo-based products to create a venue for manufacturers of bamboo- based products to present their latest products, and designs, as well as stimulate interest for such products; Develop a plan and program to increase the production of bamboo and provide a steady supply of raw materials for manufacturers and producers of engineered bamboo and other bamboo-based products; d) Identify government lands, including reservations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), that may be planted with bamboo;

1 e) Work with SUCs to develop courses on the propagation of bamboo and development of the product as a viable alternative to hard wood; and 3 f Monitor the compliance of government agencies and LGUs.

SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within ninety (90) days

5 from the effectivity of this Act, the Council shall, in coordination with the Department 6 of Budget and Management and the Government Procurement Policy Board, promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the effective 8 implementation of this Act. Failure of the relevant government agencies to promulgate the IRR within the specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws. Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of the government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith or with gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable.

SEC. 6. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,

executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,