Declaration of Policy
- State policy to develop self-reliant Filipino-controlled industries.
- Encourage investments and provide incentives to private enterprises.
- Promote employment and livelihood, especially for the poor.
- Ensure ecological balance in natural resource use.
- Prioritize education and training in science and technology for sustainable development.
- Establishment of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) to increase rubber production and improve rural poor communities reliant on rubber.
Definitions
- "Philippine Rubber Research Institute" (PRRI): Main institute for rubber research at Mindanao State University in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, including satellite units; mandated to initiate R&D to improve quality and productivity benefiting smallholders.
- "Rubber tree": Hevea brasiliensis, source of natural rubber.
- "Latex": Milky fluid from rubber trees used in industrial and automotive products.
- "Smallholder rubber producers": Entities owning/cultivating 5 hectares or less of rubber.
- "Smallholder rubber processors": Operators of small-scale rubber processing plants processing up to 50 metric tons annually.
- "Rubber cooperatives": Registered groups of smallholders jointly operating and sharing benefits.
- "Big holder rubber producers": Entities owning/cultivating more than 5 hectares.
- "Big holder rubber processors": Operators of large-scale processing plants processing over 50 metric tons annually.
Creation of the PRRI
- PRRI is established under the supervision and control of the Department of Agriculture (DA).
Powers and Functions of PRRI
- Promote planting, maintenance, and utilization of rubber trees.
- Provide smallholders access to quality seedlings, modern techniques, and support services.
- Conduct training to increase production quality and income, focusing on poor smallholders.
- Aid in establishing village-based rubber enterprises to improve livelihood.
- Promote cooperative development among smallholders, giving access to resources and decision-making.
- Initiate research addressing technology and policy gaps to promote a robust rubber industry.
- Enter into agreements and receive grants from local and foreign agencies through DA upon Advisory Board recommendation.
Executive Director of PRRI
- Head of PRRI responsible for planning, implementation, and supervision.
- Appointed by the President for a 3-year term upon DA recommendation.
- Must have high educational, technical, managerial competencies, integrity, and probity.
- Appoints other officers and employees in accordance with Civil Service Law.
Functions and Powers of the Executive Director
- Recommend creation of divisions and staffing patterns.
- Recommend appointments to the Agriculture Secretary.
- Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of PRRI programs.
- Approve and consolidate overall PRRI budget.
- Perform additional functions assigned by the Advisory Board.
Appointment of Division Chiefs and Unit Heads
- Recommended by the Executive Director, appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Subject to qualification standards and Civil Service rules.
Composition of the PRRI Advisory Board
- Chaired by the DA Secretary or representative.
- Members include Undersecretary of DA, Executive Directors of Bureau of Agricultural Research, Bureau of Plant Industry, PRRI.
- One representative each from rubber producers and processors appointed by the President for 3-year terms.
Functions and Powers of the PRRI Advisory Board
- Formulate policies and programs for rubber industry development.
- Review and recommend PRRI annual budget.
- Evaluate effectiveness of PRRI projects.
- Recommend establishment or abolition of satellite units.
Coordination and Linkages
- PRRI to monitor and evaluate rubber research programs.
- Identify immediate needs in the rubber industry aligned with economic development.
- Coordinate with government agencies and LGUs for strategy formulation and project implementation.
Allocation of Funds
- Max 40% of funds for personnel services and maintenance/operating expenses.
- 35% allocated for research, development, training, and information.
- 25% for seedling propagation and dispersal.
Annual Reporting
- PRRI to submit annual progress and administrative reports to the Office of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives.
Appropriations
- Fund allocation to be included in the General Appropriations Act following enactment and thereafter.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision shall not affect the remainder of the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Laws or regulations inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- Act takes effect 15 days from publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.