one ot thEy TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 13 P3:29 S.B. No. SEN 1180 RECEIVED D Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE AS THE GARLIC CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE Article XII, Section 1 of the Constitution provides that, "the State shall promote the industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through initiatives that make full and efficient use human and natural resources, which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets." In consonance with this Constitutional mandate, the state recognizes that agricultural development is one of the means by which socioeconomic advancement can be achieved. According to the Department of Agriculture, Ilocos Region is the Philippines leading garlic producer, accounting for 65 percent of the country's total production and has 79.10 percent total hectarage planted to garlic. The region has the best comparative advantage in garlic production due to its agroclimatic suitability. Ilocos garlic is preferred by Filipino consumers over imported varieties found in the local market because of its more pungent aroma. Ilocos Norte has consistently produced more than 4,000 metric tons of garlic every year since recovering from the 2016 downfall in production due to pest and disease infestations. Moreover, the Ilocos Integrated Agricultural Research Center (ILIARC)-Satellite Station II, Batac City developed a package of technology on garlic in which the produce is comparative with that of the Taiwan variety in terms of size, with similar aroma and pungency as that of the original Ilocos garlic. Thus, in recognition of its status as the biggest producer of garlic in the country, this bill seeks to declare Ilocos Norte as the garlic capital of the Philippines. Such
declaration will serve as an inspiration to boost garlic production in the country and ensure competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Free h. Marca IMEE R. MARCOS
Afice of tin TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session AUG 13 P3:29 SENATE RECEIVED GA S.B. No. 1180 Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF ILOCOS NORTE AS THE GARLIC CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State
to promote and support the garlic industry in the country and ensure competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markets. Towards this end, the State shall recognize the importance of sustaining and enhancing garlic production as a driver of economic development because garlic self- sufficiency can tremendously increase the country's export earnings and provide livelihood to our farmers.
SEC. 2. Ilocos Norte as the Garlic Capital of the Philippines. - In recognition of
its status as the country's biggest producer of garlic, the Province of Ilocos Norte is hereby declared the Garlic Capital of the Philippines.
SEC. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,