Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Act

THE RECEVAT PHILIP TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DATE APR 2 1 2026 ,ITi First Regular Session ) TIME: 3:09 PM BY: SENATE BILLS& INDEX 2057 S. No. - Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY BY STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE BAMBOO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, CREATING THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR BAMBOO PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR EXPLANATORY NOTE The Philippines possesses a wealth of natural resources, yet the potential of the bamboo industry remains largely untapped as a driver for rural development and environmental resilience. Despite bamboo's rapid growth and versatility, many local communities continue to face high poverty rates and lack sustainable livelihood opportunities, while global demand for eco-friendly alternatives to wood and plastic continues to surge. This bill seeks to bridge the gap between our rich biological heritage and economic productivity by transforming bamboo into a cornerstone of a green Philippine economy. At its core, this measure is deeply rooted in the mandate of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, specifically in Section 1, Article XII, which directs the State to promote industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources. Furthermore, it aligns with Section 10, Article XIV, which mandates the State to prioritize research and development, invention, and innovation to support indigenous and scientific capabilities. By establishing a dedicated research center and a strengthened development council, this bill honors the constitutional vow to foster a self-reliant and independent economy that serves the Filipino people.

The urgency of this legislation is underscored by the current economic landscape and environmental challenges. Globally, the bamboo market is projected to reach significant heights, yet the Philippines requires more robust infrastructure to remain competitive. Locally, the need for sustainable intervention is clear: according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), poverty incidence remains a significant challenge in rural areas where bamboo thrives. By providing substantial incentives for plantation development-such as tax-free importation of equipment and exemption from forest charges-this bill aims to stimulate investments that can provide stable income for the millions of Filipinos living in the countryside. The passing of this bill will institutionalize the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program (PBIDP), ensuring that the industry is no longer fragmented but instead supported by a cohesive strategy for scientific propagation and commercialization. It mandates the creation of the Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center (BIRDC) to provide the technical "backbone" for farmers and manufacturers, ensuring they have access to innovative technologies and high-quality raw materials. With the active participation of Local Government Units (LGUs) and the provision of credit assistance, the bill creates a fertile environment for bamboo-based community enterprises to flourish nationwide, contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 1 "No Poverty," Goal 8 "Decent Work and Economic Growth," and Goal 12 "Responsible Consumption and Production". Lastly, this measure transforms idle lands into productive plantations and simple grass into high-value products, directly contributing to climate change mitigation and disaster risk reduction. It is a practical step toward fulfilling our national development goals and ensuring that our natural wealth translates into tangible prosperity for every Filipino household. Hence, the approval of this measure is urgently sought. Cumlacs meia CAMILLE A. VILLAR

THE TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE PHILIP RECEIVED REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES DATE: First Regular Session TIME: BY: _ 3 дАРм SENATE BILLS & INDEX 2057 S. No. _ Introduced by Senator Camille A. Villar AN ACT PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY BY STRENGTHENING THE PHILIPPINE BAMBOO INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, CREATING THE BAMBOO INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND PROVIDING INCENTIVES FOR BAMBOO DEVELOPMENT CENTER, PLANTATION DEVELOPMENT, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Bamboo

Industry Development Act".

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

support industries that generate employment especially in the rural areas, reduce poverty, foster a sustainable environment, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. It shall also be the policy of the State to foster a self-reliant and independent economy that supports indigenous, scientific and technological capabilities, and skills. To this end, the State shall recognize the strategic importance of the bamboo as a sturdy, versatile, and replenishable material that can be a sustainable source of livelihood and catalyst for agricultural productivity. The State shall likewise ensure the integrated and continuous development of the Philippine bamboo industry through policies and programs that encourage the planting of bamboo, accelerate the development of bamboo-based products and designs, and promote Philippine bamboo products in international markets. It shall

establish a program for a sustainable utilization, propagation and promotion of bamboo as furniture, food, construction and design material, and other uses.

Sec. 3. The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program (PBIDP). —The

PBIDC shall formulate the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program which shall include programs and projects for the scientific propagation, development and management, processing, utilization, business development, and commercialization of Philippine bamboo and bamboo products, through the cooperation of all stakeholders of the industry that include producers of raw materials, processors, marketing and promotion service providers, and concerned national agencies and local government units (LGUs).

Sec. 4. Objectives of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program.

— The PBIDP shall aim to make the Philippine bamboo industry competitive in the local and global markets and provide opportunities for local employment and the establishment of bamboo-based community enterprises. The PBIDP shall: a) Ensure that the bamboo industry has sufficient quality raw materials through the establishment and management of bamboo nurseries and plantations; b) Ensure that the bamboo industry continuously receives from the research and development sector relevant technologies and new products; c) Ensure that the industry receives pertinent and accurate data from the PBIDC upon which the industry can make business decisions; d) Promote investment in the bamboo industry by establishing bamboo plantations and bamboo processing operations, and providing substantial incentives to investors; e) Provide skilled labor and manpower through continuous relevant capacity building; f) Provide continuous training and capacity building in the bamboo industry development; g) Ensure provision of locally manufactured machines of improved capacity and quality at competitive costs; h) Ensure markets of bamboo products locally and globally; and

i) Ensure sustainable resources for implementing the bamboo industry development program.

Sec. 5. Role of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC).

— The Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC), created under Executive Order No. 879, series of 2010, hereinafter referred to as the Council shall provide the overall policy and program directions of various agencies and instrumentalities to ensure the implementation of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Program (PBIDP). The Council shall be administratively attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and shall now be composed of the following: a) Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as Chairperson; b) Secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); c) Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA); d) Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd); e) Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST); f) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE); g) Executive Director of the Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center; h) Chairperson of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples; i) National President of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines; j) Executive Director of the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines; k) Two (2) Representatives from Non-Government Organizations; I) One Representative from a reputable private industry association; and m) One Representative each from the Bamboo Farmers, the Bamboo Manufacturers, and the Bamboo Processors' Associations. The PBIDC shall promulgate such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the attainment of the objectives of this Act.

Sec. 6. Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center (BIRDC). — The

Bamboo Industry Research and Development Center, hereinafter referred to as the Center, is hereby created to serve as the secretariat of the Council to be headed by an Executive Director. The Center shall consist of divisions as may be necessary to

ensure the effective implementation of the goals and objectives of the Center, including the following functions: research and development; trade promotion and education; networking and linkages; internal administration and finance; and such other divisions as may be necessary. The organizational structure, staffing pattern and compensation schedule of the Center shall be prepared in accordance with existing laws, rules and regulations. Other member agencies of the Council shall provide additional administrative and technical staff support to the Center upon the determination by the Council of the necessity for such augmentation. The Center shall perform the following powers and functions: a) Promote and encourage the establishment and management of bamboo nurseries, plantations and processing facilities that would accelerate the production and commercialization of bamboo and various bamboo products; b) Promote the commercialization and market access of appropriate, innovative and viable bamboo industry development technologies and products; c) Monitor and evaluate the performance of bamboo industry development programs and projects; d) Coordinate and partner with other government agencies in the implementation of bamboo industry development programs and projects; e) Coordinate and partner with the private sector, people's organizations and nongovernmental organizations, and the academe in providing assistance on matters pertaining to bamboo industry development; f) 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; g) Conduct capability-building initiatives for farmers, processors, designers, and other stakeholders in the bamboo industry; h) Conduct research and development in partnership with appropriate government agencies to advance sustainable bamboo industry development practices;

i) Supervise the implementation of the plans and programs of the Council; j) Manage and administer the projects identified by the Council; k) Conduct, in cooperation or partnership with appropriate government agencies, a periodic review of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Roadmap; and 1) Submit periodic reports to the Council on the progress and accomplishment of programs and projects.

Sec. 7. The Executive Director of the Center. — The Executive Director shall

be appointed by the Chairperson of the PBIDC with the approval of the Council. The Executive Director shall be a citizen and resident of the Philippines and must possess executive and management experience of at least three (3) years, and considerable knowledge about the bamboo industry. In addition, the Executive Director shall have the following powers and functions: a) Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Center; b) Provide technical and administrative support to the Council; c) Assist the Council in the performance of its tasks; and d) Perform such other functions, duties and responsibilities as may be necessary to implement this Act.

Sec. 8. Support to the Program by Local Government Units. - Local

government units (LGUs) shall participate in the implementation of the PBIDP. Each LGU shall establish a Bamboo Industry Development Council and shall endeavor to capacitate agricultural workers and encourage entrepreneurs to acquire the needed competencies in harvesting and post-harvesting operations. Provincial governments shall formulate and implement their respective bamboo industry development programs within two (2) years from the enactment of this law.

Sec. 9. Incentives for bamboo in plantation development. — The following

incentives shall be provided to investors in bamboo plantation development: a) Exemption from the payment of rent for the use of government lands for commercial bamboo plantation for the first five (5) years of operation reckoned from the date of the first harvest of the plantation;

b) Exemption of private plantations from the requirements to secure a cutting permit for the harvesting of bamboo and a transport permit for as long as the plantation is registered with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) of the DENR: Provided, that the plantation owner shall inform the CENRO about the date of harvest, and the estimated volume that of the harvest. Inventory of the plantation prior to harvest shall not be required. All CENROs shall approve and enter into a registry, the names of private bamboo plantation investors; c) Exemption from the payment of forest charges and other fees for taxes that local government units may impose; d) No inspection of harvested bamboo at check points; e) Access to development loans from public financial institutions for plantation developers; f) Insurance coverage of plantations and plantation development equipment by the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC); g) Tax free importation of plantation development equipment, including tree nursery facilities, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); h) Expenses incurred for plantation operations 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; i) 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 expenditure; j) Prioritized access for plantation developers to credit assistance from government-owned, controlled and/or supported financial institutions; k) Acceptance of plantation as collateral for loans in government owned or controlled banks; I) For tenured developer, entitlement to fair compensation upon the premature termination of the agreement at no fault of the holder: Provided, that 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 retained in the area, shall be properly evaluated: Provided further, that the amount of compensation shall be mutually agreed upon by both the Department and the tenure-holder: Provided finally, that in case of disagreement between them, the matter shall be submitted to arbitration by a mutually acceptable and impartial third party adjudicator; m) Exportation of bamboo culms from plantation without restrictions in volume; n) Tax free importation of processing equipment by processors engaged in bamboo industry, pursuant to Republic Act No. 10863, otherwise known as the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA); and o) Inclusion in the annual investment program of the National Economic Development Authority of industrial bamboo plantations in forest lands and priority access to funds from external and internal sources.

Sec. 10. Appropriations. - The funds necessary to carry out the initial

implementation of this Act shall be charged against the current year's budget of the DTI. Thereafter, such sums as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days after

the effectivity of this Act, the DTI-PBIDC shall, in coordination with the DENR, and DOST promulgate the rules and regulations to implement this Act.

Sec. 12. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or part hereof is

declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected by such declaration shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 13. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive and administrative orders,

rules and regulations inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 14. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

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