Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11547)
The title of Republic Act No. 11547 is "AN ACT DECLARING THE CITY OF DAVAO AS THE CHOCOLATE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE ENTIRE REGION XI (DAVAO REGION) AS THE CACAO CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES."
The declared policy of RA 11547 is to recognize the importance of cacao as a driver of rural development, due to its potential as a raw material that can significantly increase export earnings, enhance the country's reputation for producing fine chocolate beans, and provide livelihood to small farmers in the countryside.
RA 11547 refers to Section 1, Article XII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the promotion of industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, emphasizing industries that efficiently use human and natural resources to be competitive domestically and internationally.
The City of Davao is declared as the Chocolate Capital of the Philippines under RA 11547.
The entire Region XI (Davao Region) is declared as the Cacao Capital of the Philippines.
The declaration is based on Davao City's status as the country's biggest producer of cacao and its vital contribution to making the Philippines world-renowned and sought after by chocolate makers from the U.S., Japan, and Europe.
Yes, RA 11547 contains a repealing clause in Section 3, which states that any law, presidential decree, executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent or contrary to its provisions shall be repealed or modified accordingly.
RA 11547 took effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte approved and signed RA 11547 into law on May 27, 2021.
RA 11547 recognizes cacao as a crop that provides livelihood to many small farmers in the countryside, promoting rural development through increased export potential and local industry growth.