Bamboo Industry Development Act of 2026

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) me ofice of the Scarao REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 26 MAR 19 A10:45 SENATE RECEIVED BY:_ 2002 S. No. Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A VIBRANT BAMBOO INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS SCIENTIFIC PROPAGATION AND SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION, CREATING THE NATIONAL BAMBOO COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES (NBCP), ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE In the Philippines, the diminishing availability of wood resources has become widespread that it became a national issue, requiring the development of substitute materials. Bamboo has been seen as a perfect alternative for wood since it is a significant lumber wood alternative product. It is extensively grown throughout the country and has a significant economic and cultural impact. It is a nutritious vegetable that is also used for construction, crafts, flooring, roofing, panels, boards, veneer, textiles, oil, gas, and charcoal for fuel and as a superior natural absorbent. In comparison to other hardwoods, bamboo takes a lot less time to reach its full potential and is less expensive to cultivate. The bamboo industry is now prospering in Asia and is swiftly expanding to Africa and America. In a research published by the International Network for Bamboo and Rattan titled Bamboo Biodiversity, it discussed that bamboo is a significant global commodity which supports a worldwide trade amounting to much more than US$2.5 billion annually. Global trade, however, is just a small portion compared to household

use of bamboo that make up the majority of at least 80% of the overall usage. In a study by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), the research paper wrote that the Philippines is oth among the largest exporters of bamboo in the world. The total area of bamboo stands in the Philippines ranges from 39,000-53,000 ha, mainly naturally growing sporadically or in patches in backyards and riverbanks in forest lands and some private lands and rarely in pure commercial stands. The potential production from these areas of bamboo stands has been estimated at an average of 36 million culms per year. There are 48 varieties of native and introduced bamboo, which are found everywhere from the coast to the highlands. 11 of these species are highly valuable economically. However, due of inadequate development in their propagation and management, and differences in approaches employed in its utilization, the bamboo's commercial and ecological potentials have not been completely realized. Ang pambihirang potensyal ng kawayan sa Pilipinas ay kailangang pangasiwaan at idirekta nang maayos. Sa pamamagitan ng ating panukalanag batas, ating pagsasamahin ang ibat ibang pamamaraan sa paggamit ng kawayan upang lalu pang isulong ang kaunlaran sa larangan ng industriya, sining at kultura, at pangangalaga sa kalikasan upang makapagbigay ng pinakamahusay na benepisyo para sa kapakanan ng mga Pilipino. By providing a framework for the promotion and support the development of the bamboo industry. This bill seeks to institutionalize the National Bamboo Council of the Philippines and establish an agency that can effectively develop the bamboo industry to generate employment, help the bamboo sector capture a greater market, promote environmental sustainability and help mitigate the impacts of climate change, and assist the government in achieving inclusive economic growth. In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought. А сно ото Senator

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) sofice of tie ever REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session 26 MAR 19 A10:45 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2002 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT ESTABLISHING A FRAMEWORK FOR THE PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF A VIBRANT BAMBOO INDUSTRY IN THE PHILIPPINES, PROVIDING FOR ITS SCIENTIFIC PROPAGATION AND SUSTAINABLE UTILIZATION, CREATING THE NATIONAL BAMBOO COUNCIL OF THE PHILIPPINES (NBCP), ALLOCATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Bamboo Industry

Development Act of 2026".

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy, - It is the policy of the State to promote and

support the development of the bamboo industry as a sustainable resource and employment generator. The State shall help communities and other stakeholders especially in the rural areas to collaborate for the mitigation of the impacts of climate change and promotion of sustainable environment and natural resources, economic prosperity, inclusive growth and reduction of poverty.

SECTION 3. Objectives. — The objectives of this Act are as follows:

1. Promote the Philippine bamboo industry by providing an institution to implement the sustainable management of natural resources through resource conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement; 2. Prepare and accomplish bamboo industry development program;

3. Provide incentives to investors in the establishment of bamboo plantations and processing plants; and 4. Establish regional, provincial and municipal councils that will administer their own bamboo industry development programs that shall rehabilitate all the remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands as well as to provide livelihood to local farmers and help boost our economy.

SECTION 4. National Bamboo Council of the Philippines. - The National

8 Bamboo Council of the Philippines (NBCP) is hereby created, replacing the Philippine 9 Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC) organized under Executive Order No. 10 879, s. 2010. The National Bamboo Council of the Philippine (NBCP), hereinafter referred to as the Council, shall be under the Office of the President. Where certain functions are declared redundant on account of the reorganization, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) shall provide for the reassignment, insofar as practicable, of affected employees to similar positions within the Council and its attached offices, taking into consideration their skills and experience, without loss of seniority or other rights and privileges. In any case, all 17 relevant laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations concerning the rights of government employees in the reorganization of an office shall be respected.

SECTION 5. Powers and Functions of the Council. - The National Bamboo

20 Council of the Philippine shall have the following functions: a. Implement a comprehensive national bamboo industry development program; b. Establish and organize regional, provincial and municipal councils that will administer their own local bamboo industry development programs; c. Consult with bamboo farmers, bamboo manufacturers, and the bamboo processors' associations, including those involved in resource conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement of bamboo; d. Coordinate activities to assure that efforts of bamboo farmers, bamboo manufacturers, and the bamboo processors' associations, and others in the public and private sector, are effective and complementary;

e. Develop a coordinated study and strategy to address the policy and technological problems, share information and resources for possible solutions, and avoid duplication of effort by and within public and private entities; f. Generate public awareness of and support for these activities; g. Undertake studies on issues of resource ownership, naturally regenerated and planted areas, growing stock, biomass, species biodiversity, removals, products and trade as needed, including threats and the efficacy of new technologies, and recommended solutions to improve production; h. Fund projects such as trainings on bamboo resource conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement, and preparation and implementation of local bamboo industry development programs; and i. Provide incentives to investors in the establishment of bamboo plantations and processing plants; j. Accept grants, donations, and contributions from local and international donors and such similar sources of funds for the implementation of the provisions of this Act, subject to the usual budget, accounting, and auditing rules and regulations; k. Prescribe the procedures for the exercise of its powers and functions as well as the performance of its duties and responsibilities; I. Determine the Council's organizational structure and staffing pattern and appoint officers and employees of the Council in accordance with Civil Service laws, rules and regulations; and m. Acquire, manage, and hold such real and personal property as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of this Act.

SECTION 6. Composition. - The Council shall be composed of a Chairperson

and thirteen (13) members, six (6) of whom shall be regular members, while the other seven (7) members shall be in an ex-officio capacity: Provided, That the Chairperson and the regular members shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines.

The seven (7) members who shall be ex-officio members of the Council are the following: a. Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); b. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA); c. Secretary of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR); d. Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); e. Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); f. Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG); g. Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); The six (6) regular members shall be as follows: a. One (1) Representative from a Non-Government Organization; b. One (1) Representative from the academe; c. One (1) Representative from a reputable private industry organization; d. One (1) Representative from the bamboo farmers; e. One (1) Representative from the bamboo manufacturers, and f. One (1) Representative from the bamboo processors' associations. The Council members from the different departments may designate their respective alternates who shall be at least Assistant Secretary in rank and whose designation shall be on a permanent capacity and their acts shall be considered the acts of their principals. The Council shall regularly meet at least once a month or as often as necessary at the call of the Chairperson or a majority of the members. A simple majority of the members of the Council shall constitute a quorum to do business.

SECTION 7. Term of Office. - The Chairperson and the six (6) regular members

2 shall hold office for a term of three (3) years unless sooner removed by the President: 3 Provided, that they shall be eligible for reappointment after the expiration of their 4 respective terms: Provided, further, that no Chairperson or regular member shall serve for more than two (2) consecutive terms. If the Chairperson or member fails to 6 complete his/her term, the person appointed to fill the vacancy shall serve only for 7 the unexpired portion of the vacated term whom he/she succeeds: Provided, finally, 8 that such service of the unexpired portion shall not be counted as a term.

SECTION 8. The Chairperson. - The Chairperson shall be the Chief Executive

10 Officer and shall exercise overall administrative supervision to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of the policies laid down by the Council. The Chairperson shall have the following functions: a. Formulate the Bamboo Industry Development Program for approval of the Council; b. Execute and administer the policies, plans and programs approved by the Council; c. Direct and supervise the operations and internal affairs of the Council; d. Establish the internal organization and administrative procedures of the Council; e. Establish and manage a data and information system on the bamboo industry and provide such data and information upon request by the stakeholders; f. Generate funds and resources for the implementation of the Bamboo Industry Development Program and for other purposes that will promote the bamboo industry; from international sources for g. Receive donations and apply for loans implementation of programs of the industry;

h. Prepare the annual budget of the Secretariat and the Council for the approval of the Council and for inclusion in the General Appropriations Act; i. Recommend to the Council the appointment, transfer or detail, suspension, dismissal for cause of its subordinate officials and employees; and j. Such other functions which the Council may assign from time to time.

SECTION 9. The Secretariat. - The Chairperson shall be assisted by a Technical

7 Working Group which will serve as the Secretariat headed by the Executive Director. 8 The Executive Director shall be appointed by the Council upon the recommendation 9 of the Chairperson. The Executive Director shall be coterminous with the Chairperson 10 unless sooner removed for cause. The Secretariat shall consist of two divisions, a Technical Division and an 12 Administrative Division. The composition of the two divisions shall be prepared by the 13 Chairperson and approved by the Council. The personnel complements of the two 14 divisions shall follow the Civil Service rules and regulation including the salary ranges 15 of the various levels of the personnel. The Secretariat shall be responsible for engaging in activities to carry out the 17 objectives described in Section 3 of this Act including - 18 a. Managing and facilitating programs for bamboo farmers, product manufacturers and processor's associations; b. Coordinating with the agencies and officials of Local Government Units (LGU) and the National Government; c. Advising the Chairperson on issues relating to the mission of the Council; d. Ensuring that the plans of the Council are updated to address issues relating to the implementation of the bamboo industry development program in coordination with the officials of the LGU responsible for these programs;

e. Engaging in external relations with stakeholders and coordinating external partnerships to share best practices, provide mentorship, and offer technical assistance; f. Facilitating interagency program coordination and developing interagency tools for the promotion of existing programs and resources; g. Creating resources that identify common local best practices for navigating local policies; h. Reviewing and improving bamboo farm enterprise development programs that provide information about financial literacy, business planning, and food safety record keeping; i. Coordinating networks of bamboo farms and facilitating connections to manufacturers and processors, in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry; and j. Collaborating with other national agencies that use good agricultural practices on-site for efficient production or infrastructure.

SECTION 9. Establishment of Local Bamboo Councils and Bamboo Development

Programs. — To carry out the above-declared policy, there shall be established in all provinces, cities, municipalities, and other strategic areas a local Bamboo Council, 19 which shall be community-based and maintained by local government units (LGUs) and a number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society organizations (CSO) or community-based organizations (CBOs) and state universities and colleges (SUCS). It shall formulate and implement their respective local Bamboo Industry Development Programs within a year from the enactment of this Law. The local Bamboo Council shall be linked to the regional offices of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Agriculture (DA) for 26 coordination and technical supervision, and to the National Bamboo Council of the 27 Philippines.

SECTION 10. Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program. - The

Council shall prepare the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program. It shall convene and consult with stakeholders in the bamboo industry in the country. The program shall contain provisions on the following: 1. Bamboo resource conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement; 2. Provision of incentives to investors in the establishment of bamboo plantations and processing plants; 3. Establishment of local Bamboo Industry Development councils; 4. Rehabilitation of all the remaining unproductive, denuded and degraded forestlands; 5. Provision of assistance and opportunities to local bamboo farmers and boosting of the economy into the preparation of the study. The preparation of the program shall be in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local 17 Government (DILG), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

SECTION 11. Farm Cluster Program. - For purposes of this Act, the farm

clustering program shall be implemented. Farms, including those owned by agrarian reform recipients, shall be comprised 21 in the Farm and Fisheries Clustering and Consolidation (F2C2) Program or the Bayanihan Agri Clusters (BACs) of the agriculture department. Small farms must be combined into one bigger farm with a minimum area of thirty (30) hectares and within a two-kilometer radius. To take advantage of the economies of scale in the production of bamboo, so that the operations in the small farms are coordinated and put into place to ensure the effective use of farm machinery and equipment, the deployment of workers, the purchase of inputs in bulk, financing, and other operational advantages, as well as recognition by bamboo processors and product manufacturers, government financial

institutions, and private investors, but the ownership of each small farm remains with the small farm owner. The cluster farm and its members will receive common service facilities from the Council, the DTI, the DA, and other concerned government agencies, including farm equipment and implements, grants or start-up funding for necessary production inputs, technology adoption, livelihood and skills training, and other development 7 activities.

SECTION 12. Farm Support Program. — The Council must provide a support

program for additional farms that are not qualified for the Farm Clustering Program, which must, among other things, comprise the following: a. Socialized Credit - socialized credit shall be made available to bamboo farmers and their cooperatives and associations, and micro and small-scale enterprises, through the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Lending Program to increase productivity of bamboo farmers by providing the necessary credit for the acquisition and establishment of production, postharvest, and processing machineries, equipment and facilities, farm inputs and improvement. The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) shall manage the credit facility funded out of the ACEF: Provided, That the loans shall be available to bamboo farmers duly registered in the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA): Provided, further, That the eligibility requirements are met by the farmers: Provided, finally, That farmers cannot be granted another loan until the loan is fully paid. Farmers may agree to any form of payment with the Farm Clusters or Local Council for their bamboo in order to guarantee quick payment of farmers and safeguard their revenue from the bamboo. b. Farm Management, Technical Assistance and Professional Services - For the purpose of providing farm management, technical assistance, and professional services to these farms, the Council, the DTI, the DA, the DAR, the DENR, the

DOST, the DILG, the DOLE, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), state universities and colleges (SUCs), and other concerned private and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) shall develop and implement a program for the deployment of agricultural engineers, agriculturists, and farm technicians. c. Human Resources Development - All stakeholders in the bamboo industry shall contribute to the development of a sustainable human resource for the industry. The Council, in collaboration with the DTI, the DOLE, the DA, the DAR, TESDA, the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the Commission on Higher Education and the private sector, shall formulate and implement a Human Resources Development (HRD) Master Plan for the bamboo industry which shall include, but not limited to, the following: 1. Capacity building, skills trainings, institutional strengthening of the bamboo industry workers, small farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries and their organizations to actively contribute in productivity and competitiveness; 2. Scholarship program for the underprivileged but deserving college and post graduate students who are taking up courses in relevant fields of discipline in SUCs which have programs in agriculture, agricultural engineering and mechanics, bamboo architecture and engineering and chemical engineering/technology; and for vocational courses and skills development for farmers and farm technicians, and skilled workers in bamboo farms, and bamboo processing and manufacturing plants. 3. Conduct of capability training or attendance to local or international trainings and seminars by bamboo farmers, processors and manufacturers, including the NBCP technical personnel on the latest technologies related to bamboo farming, processing, manufacturing of its by-products; 4. Formulation and implementation of competency standards and training regulations for technical vocational education and training for the bamboo industry by the TESDA; and

5. Upgrading of facilities, faculty development and strengthening of the on- the-job training program of agri-based higher education institutions in bamboo areas towards the production of highly employable and globally competitive graduates needed by the bamboo industry.

SECTION 12. Farm Mechanization Program. — The use of proper agricultural

machinery and equipment is encouraged and required for the effective planting, 7 cultivation, care and maintenance, harvesting, and handling of bamboo. This includes cluster farms and farms of agrarian reform beneficiaries. In accordance with the requirements of Republic Act No. 10601, also known as the "Agricultural and Fisheries Mechanization (AFMech) Law," the NBCP, the DA, and the DAR, in collaboration with local government units (LGUs), shall: a. Introduce or expand the use of machineries for the different stages of bamboo farming; b. Formulate and implement a Bamboo Farm Mechanization Program at the municipal levels and cluster farms; and c. Support the creation, management, and upkeep of Agri-Fisheries Machinery and Equipment Service Centers, as specified in Section 9 of Republic Act No. 10601, in bamboo areas and, for this purpose, provide socialized credit to service centers: Provided, That these service centers shall emphasize the provision of plowing, transplanting, watering, pruning, fertilizing, harvesting and other farm mechanization services to bamboo farms that do not have the capability to purchase or maintain their own machineries and equipment. The socialized credit facility under the Farm Support Program and the Farm Mechanization Program will be managed by the LBP. The rules for managing and using the socialized credit facility will be issued by the Council, the DA, the DAR, and the LBP.

SECTION 13. Bamboo Industry Research and Development and Innovation. -

The Council shall establish and carry out a research, development, and extension program for bamboo farm mechanization and engineering through its research centers

in coordination with the Philippine Center for Post-harvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech), the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR), DA Regional Integrated Agricultural Research Centers (RIAR), Regional Research and 4 Development, Extension Network (RRDEN) for Agriculture and Fisheries, Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) of DENR, SUCs, other concerned 6 government agencies, and industry stakeholders. The Council shall develop, enhance, support, and consolidate activities and 8 related technologies for the formulation and implementation of a unified and integrated agriculture research and development plan and programs for the area in which it operates. The NBCP research and development and innovation plans and programs shall include, but not limited to the following: a. Research, development and propagation of appropriate, innovative and viable integrated bamboo technologies; b. Promotion of developed and viable biodegradable farm wastes and by- products through various extension strategies to accelerate the production, use and distribution of naturally produced fertilizers; and c. Environmental impacts, including soil health, soil fertility, and storm monsoon water runoff and bamboo pest and disease management among others.

SECTION 14. Incentives and Award System. - The Council shall establish and

institutionalize incentives and awards systems for individuals, organizations, associations and companies in the form of financial, technical, marketing and other services and resources as assistance for projects that promotes the Philippine bamboo industry and sustainable management of natural resources through bamboo resource conservation, protection, and productivity enhancement. The availment of the incentives shall be subject to evaluation of NBCP in coordination with or through joint efforts with the concerned agencies implementing the particular incentives availed of.

The following incentives shall be provided to investors in plantation development and bamboo processing factories: a. Exception from taxes and duties subject to the provisions of Article 62 of Republic Act 6938 or the Cooperative Code of the Philippines; b. Exemption from the value-added tax in accordance with Section 103 of the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended; C. Exemption from taxes, fees and charges under Title One of Book Two of the Local Government Code of 1991 in accordance with Section 133(n) of the said Code; d. Exemption from the payment of duties on the importation of agricultural equipment, machinery and implements as provided under Republic Act 8435, otherwise known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act as amended by Republic Act 9281; e. Zero-rated value-added tax (VAT) on transactions involving the sale/purchase of organic farm inputs; f. Provision of preferential rates and special window to bamboo farmers g. producers, processors, and exporters by the Land Bank of the Philippines; h. Credit, insurance, and financing services under Republic Act 8435 otherwise known as the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act and Republic Act 10000 otherwise known as the Agri-Agra Reform Credit Act of 2009; i. Incentives and benefits under Republic Act 9178 otherwise known as the Barangay Micro Business Enterprises (BMBE) Act of 2002 for bamboo business entity or enterprise whose total assets including those arising from loans but exclusive of the land on which that particular business entity's office, plant and equipment are situated, are not more than Three Million Pesos (P3,000,000.00);

j. Bamboo business entity or enterprise to be registered under the Board of Investments (BOI) shall be entitled to the existing pertinent fiscal incentives as provided by the Board of Investments or those provided under Executive Order No. 226, as amended, otherwise known as the Omnibus Investment Code of 1987; k. Exemption from payment of rent for the use of government lands for commercial bamboo plantation for the first plantation for the first 5 years or when the plantation owner starts to harvest his plantation; 1. Forest plantations in private lands shall not require a cutting permit for harvesting nor shall it need a transport permit, for as long as the plantation is registered with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR. All that is required is for the plantation owner to inform the CENRO that the plantations will be harvested in a given date, including the estimated volume that will be harvested. Inventory of the plantation prior to harvest shall not be required. CENROs are obligated to approve and enter into their book of registry, application for registration for plantations in private lands; m. Exemption from payment of forest charges and other fees or taxes that local government units may impose; n. Bamboo plantation from public and private lands shall not be subjected to inspection in check points; o. Plantation developers can access development loans from the public financial institutions; P. Insurance coverage of plantations and plantation development equipment by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation; q. Tax-free importation of plantation development equipment including tree nursery facilities;

r. Expenses incurred shall be allowed as deductible expenses for income tax purposes, subject to the provisions of the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997, as amended. Provided, that the deduction shall only apply to the taxable period, when the expenses were incurred; 5. Expenses incurred in the development and operation of a bamboo plantation prior to the commercial harvest shall be regarded as ordinary and necessary expenses or as capital expenditures; t. The Board of Investments (BOI) shall classify bamboo plantations as pioneer and preferred areas of investment under its annual priority plan, subject to pertinent rules and regulations; u. The plantation developer shall be given priority to access credit assistance being granted by Government-owned, -controlled and / or - supported financial institutions; v. Plantations shall be accepted as collateral for loans in government owned or controlled banks; w. For tenured-developer, upon the premature termination of the agreement at no fault of the holder, all depreciable permanent and semi-permanent improvements such as roads, buildings, and nurseries including the planted and standing trees and other forest crops, introduced and to be retained in the area, shall be properly evaluated and the holder shall be entitled to a fair compensation thereof, the amount of which shall be mutually agreed upon by both the Department and the tenure-holder and in case of disagreement between them, by arbitration through a mutually acceptable and impartial third party adjudicator; x. Plantation logs, lumber and other finished wood products and plantation - grown non-wood may be exported without restrictions in volume; and y. The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) shall include in its annual investment program, the use of forest lands to establish industrial

bamboo plantations, and to give first priority in allocating adequate funds, both from external and internal sources.

SECTION 11. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation

4 of this act shall be charged against the unexpected contingency fund of the Office of 5 the President, and the existing budget of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development 6 Council (PBIDC. Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary shall be included in 7 the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 12. Implementing Rules and Regulations, — Within a year from the

9 effectivity of this Act, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of 10 Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Environment 11 and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in consultation with other concerned government agencies, the academe, the private sector, non-government organizations and concerned stakeholders, shall promulgate and issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 13. Separability Clause. - In the event that any part, section or

provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional or invalid by a competent court, the remaining provisions thereby shall remain valid and in full force and effect as if the sections or provisions so annulled or voided had never been incorporated herein.

SECTION 14. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,

issuances, rules and regulations, or parts thereof not consistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified and/or superseded as case may be by this Act accordingly.

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

complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,