AN ACT CREATING THE PHILIPPINE RUBBER RESEARCH INSTITUTE TO DEVELOP THE PHILIPPINE RUBBER INDUSTRY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Case Overview and Summary

Title: Philippine Rubber Research Institute Act of 2010

Declaration of Policy (Section 2):
- Develop self-reliant industries controlled by Filipinos
- Encourage investments and provide incentives to private enterprises
- Promote employment and livelihood opportunities for the poor
- Ensure balanced ecology in using natural resources for industries
- Prioritize education and training in science and technology for sustainable development

Definitions (Section 3):
- Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI): Main institute for rubber research at Mindanao State University in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay
- Rubber tree: Perennial crop and source of natural rubber (Hevea brasilienses)
- Latex: Milky fluid produced by rubber trees, raw material for rubber products
- Smallholder rubber producers: Owning/cultivating ≤5 hectares of rubber plantation
- Smallholder rubber processors: Processing ≤50 metric tons of rubber annually
- Rubber cooperatives: Collectively owned and operated by rubber producers/processors
- Big holder rubber producers: Owning/cultivating >5 hectares of rubber plantation
- Big holder rubber processors: Processing >50 metric tons of rubber annually

Creation of PRRI (Section 4):
- PRRI is created under the control and supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA)

Powers and Functions of PRRI (Section 5):
- Promote planting, maintenance, and utilization of rubber trees
- Provide access to quality seedlings, modern techniques, and support services to producers and processors, especially smallholders
- Undertake training and capacity-building programs to increase production and income of smallholders
- Aid in establishing village-based rubber enterprises for livelihood opportunities
- Promote cooperative development and access to resources, technology, and decision-making for smallholders
- Initiate research and development projects to address technology and policy gaps, ensure production standards, and meet quality demands
- Enter into agreements and receive grants from local and foreign funding agencies through DA or academic boards of satellite units

Executive Director of PRRI (Section 6):
- Appointed by the President for a 3-year term, upon DA's recommendation
- Responsible for planning, implementing, and supervising PRRI's programs and activities
- Must possess high educational, technical, managerial competencies, integrity, and probity

Functions and Powers of Executive Director (Section 7):
- Recommend creation of divisions, sections, and staffing pattern
- Recommend appointments of personnel and consultants to DA Secretary
- Oversee planning, implementation, and evaluation of PRRI's policies, programs, and projects
- Consolidate and approve PRRI's overall budget
- Perform other functions assigned by PRRI Advisory Board

Appointments of Division Chiefs and Unit Heads (Section 8):
- Recommended by Executive Director and appointed by DA Secretary
- Subject to PRRI's qualification standards and Civil Service Commission rules

PRRI Advisory Board (Section 9):
- Develops policies and programs to improve technologies for Philippine rubber industry competitiveness and quality
- Composed of DA Secretary (Chairman), DA Undersecretary (Vice Chairman), Executive Directors of Bureau of Agricultural Research, Bureau of Plant Industry, and PRRI, and one representative each from rubber producers and processors (appointed by President for 3-year term)

Functions and Powers of Advisory Board (Section 10):
- Formulate policies and initiate programs for rubber industry development
- Review and recommend PRRI's annual budget
- Evaluate implementation, efficiency, and effectiveness of PRRI's programs and projects
- Recommend establishment or abolition of satellite units or branches

Coordination and Linkages (Section 11):
- PRRI to monitor and evaluate rubber research programs, identify needs and concerns in the industry
- Coordinate with other government agencies to formulate strategies for rubber industry growth
- Jointly implement projects and programs with local government units in suitable areas for rubber planting

Allocation of Funds (Section 12):
- ≤40% for personnel services, maintenance, and operating expenses
- 35% for research and development, training, and information
- 25% for seedling propagation and dispersal of rubber trees

Annual Report (Section 13):
- PRRI to submit annual report to the President, Senate, and House of Representatives on administration, institutional development, progress of programs and projects, and impact on rubber industry stakeholders

Appropriations (Section 14):
- Necessary amount to be included in the General Appropriations Act after enactment

Separability Clause (Section 15):
- If any part is held invalid or unconstitutional, the rest shall not be affected

Repealing Clause (Section 16):
- All inconsistent laws, executive orders, rules, and regulations are repealed or modified accordingly

Effectivity Clause (Section 17):
- Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or at least two newspapers of general circulation