Benguet as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines

Senate ffice of the aeretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 18 P1:39 SENATE 1202 S.B. No. - RECEIVED BY Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF BENGUET AS THE STRAWBERRY CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES EXPLANATORY NOTE The Province of Benguet is known to be branded by its mountainous terrains of peaks and valleys, ridges and canyons, and cool weather all year round. It is situated at the southern end of the Cordillera Region. Bounded on the south by Pangasinan and on the west by La Union and Ilocos Sur, Benguet serves as the gateway to the highland provinces of the Cordillera Region. At 5,000 ft above sea level, the province lies on top of the Cordillera Mountains. Rugged and sloping terrain and deep valleys characterize the province. The richness of the land coupled with the cold weather allows Benguet to be titled the "Salad Bowl of the Philippines". Further, such praise stems from the fact that the province is home to the majority of the country's fruits and vegetables. There is also an abundance of flowers that are transported to various parts of the country. Strawberries is one thing that Benguet is renowned. It is noteworthy that La Trinidad alone has approximately 700 strawberry plantations. The province is the main and largest producer of strawberries in the country, and annually generates more than a thousand metric tons of the aforementioned fruit. The province also hosts the Strawberry Festival every year in an effort to acknowledge the success of strawberry farming as one of the primary economic drivers in the province and to inspire further farmers to enter the sector. Hence, this bill seeks to declare the Province of Benguet as the "Strawberry Capital of the Philippines".

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. Ince A. mares IMEER. MARCOS )

Sentate Office of the eisetary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session 25 AUG 18 P1:39 SENATE S.B. No. 1202 RECEIVED BY. Introduced by SENATOR IMEE R. MARCOS AN ACT DECLARING THE PROVINCE OF BENGUET AS THE STRAWBERRY 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 strawberry industry in the country and ensure competitiveness in both domestic and foreign markers. To this end, the State shall recognize the importance of sustaining and enhancing strawberry production as a driver of economic development because strawberry self-sufficiency can tremendously increase the country's export earnings and provide livelihood to our farmers.

SEC. 2. Benguet as the Strawberry Capital of the Philippines. - In recognition

of its status as the country's biggest producer of strawberry, the Province of Benguet is hereby declared the Strawberry 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 in the Philippines. Approved,