Law Summary
Importance of Bamboo to Filipino Livelihoods
- Bamboo is a vital resource for many Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, especially in rural areas.
- Young bamboo shoots serve as food while mature bamboo is widely used as a construction material.
Creation and Role of the Philippine Bamboo Industry Development Council (PBIDC)
- Executive Order No. 879 (s. 2010) established the PBIDC.
- PBIDC is tasked with promoting product development and enhancing market access for bamboo products.
- The purpose is to sustain and strengthen the bamboo industry in the Philippines.
Bamboo as a Priority Industry
- The Department of Trade and Industry identifies bamboo as one of eight priority industry clusters.
- This classification emphasizes bamboo's economic and developmental importance.
Uses and Global Impact of Bamboo Products
- Bamboo parts are used for nourishment and simple construction.
- They are also utilized in manufacturing world-class Filipino furniture and handicrafts with international recognition.
Need to Foster National Consciousness on Bamboo
- There is an expressed need to raise national awareness about the significance of bamboo and its products.
- This is aimed at encouraging appreciation and utilization of bamboo resources.
Declaration of Philippine Bamboo Month
- The President declares September of every year as Philippine Bamboo Month.
- This serves to institutionalize the celebration and appreciation of bamboo in the country annually.
Role of PBIDC in the Observance
- PBIDC is designated to lead and promote the observance of Philippine Bamboo Month.
- They will also identify relevant programs, projects, and activities for yearly celebration.
Responsibilities and Encouragement for Support
- All government agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges, are directed to support the observance.
- Local government units, NGOs, civil society groups, and the private sector are encouraged to participate and support the implementation of the proclamation.
Legal Effect and Formalization
- The Proclamation is executed under the authority of the President of the Republic of the Philippines.
- The official signing and sealing formalize this declaration and set its implementation into motion.