An Act Declaring the Province of Catanduanes as the Abaca Capital of the Philippines

Case Overview and Summary

Republic Act No. 11700

Declaration of Policy (Section 1):
- The State shall promote industrialization and full employment based on sound agricultural development and agrarian reform, through industries that make full and efficient use of human and natural resources, which are competitive in both domestic and foreign markets.
- The State recognizes the importance of the abaca industry and its development as a driver of rural development, not only because of its potential as a raw material that can increase the country's export earnings and put the Philippines on the map for producing the biggest volume of abaca fiber, but also for providing livelihood to many small farmers in the countryside.

Abaca Capital of the Philippines (Section 2):
- In recognition of its status as the country's biggest producer of abaca, making the Philippines world-renowned as "Manila Hemp" in the fiber industry, and in support of the agricultural development of the province, Catanduanes is hereby declared the Abaca Capital of the Philippines.

Repealing Clause (Section 3):
- Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction, rule or regulation inconsistent or contrary to the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity (Section 4):
- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.