The Congress of the Philippines, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, plays a crucial role in developing policies, enacting laws, and overseeing regulations that support the growth, sustainability, and regulation of the Agarwood industry. Through legislation, budget allocation, and policy oversight, Congress ensures that the Agarwood sector thrives while maintaining environmental conservation and compliance with international trade laws.
Key Legislative Roles in the Agarwood Industry:
1️⃣ Enacting Laws for Sustainable Agarwood Industry Development
✅ Legalizing & Regulating Agarwood Farming
- Formulating a National Agarwood Industry Development Act to:
- Define legal frameworks for Agarwood cultivation, harvesting, and trade.
- Support sustainable farming practices and prevent illegal harvesting from wild forests.
✅ Standardizing Industry Guidelines
- Establishing national quality standards for Agarwood oil and processed products.
- Aligning Philippine Agarwood trade regulations with international CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) agreements.
2️⃣ Allocating Budget for Research, Development & Industry Support
✅ Funding R&D for Advanced Agarwood Propagation & Processing
- Appropriating government funds for universities (e.g., Cavite State University), research agencies (DOST), and industry collaborations to:
- Enhance Agarwood propagation methods (e.g., tissue culture, organogenesis, and artificial resin induction).
- Improve extraction technologies such as CO₂ extraction and solvent-free distillation.
✅ Supporting Small-Scale Farmers & Cooperatives
- Allocating financial support and subsidies under the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) to:
- Provide seedling distribution programs for small-scale farmers.
- Fund cooperatives and start-ups engaged in Agarwood farming and processing.
3️⃣ Strengthening Environmental & Conservation Laws
✅ Preventing Illegal Agarwood Harvesting & Smuggling
- Strengthening laws such as the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act (RA 9147) to:
- Impose stricter penalties on illegal harvesting, transport, and export of wild Agarwood.
- Require legal documentation (e.g., Wildlife Culture Permits from DENR) for Agarwood plantation operations.
✅ Promoting Sustainable Agarwood Agroforestry
- Encouraging the integration of Agarwood plantations into reforestation programs under the National Greening Program (NGP).
- Providing tax incentives to landowners and cooperatives who adopt sustainable Agarwood farming practices.
4️⃣ Facilitating Market Expansion & International Trade Policies
✅ Establishing Export-Friendly Policies
- Drafting laws that:
- Simplify export requirements for Philippine Agarwood oil, chips, and value-added products.
- Provide tax incentives to Agarwood-based businesses engaged in global trade.
✅ Strengthening Investment Incentives
- Passing legislation under the Board of Investments (BOI) and Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) to:
- Attract foreign direct investments (FDI) in Agarwood plantations and processing plants.
- Offer duty-free importation of modern Agarwood processing equipment.
5️⃣ Oversight & Monitoring of Implementing Agencies
✅ Ensuring Effective Implementation of Laws & Policies
- Conducting Senate and House Committee Hearings on:
- The status of Agarwood research & industry development programs.
- Compliance with CITES trade regulations and environmental laws.
✅ Protecting Local Farmers & Ensuring Fair Trade
- Reviewing policies to ensure fair pricing mechanisms for smallholder farmers.
- Strengthening the role of the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC) in preventing market monopolies in the Agarwood industry.
In a Nutshell:
The Congress of the Philippines plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of the Agarwood industry through legislation, funding, environmental conservation, trade facilitation, and policy oversight. By passing laws that protect local farmers, ensure sustainable farming, and encourage industry investments, Congress can transform the Agarwood sector into a globally competitive and environmentally responsible industry.