Creation of rubber research center proposed

MANILA, Philippines - Two legislators have filed a bill in Congress, seeking to create a research center for the rubber industry to help the small rubber producers and processors in the country.

Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez and Abamin partylist Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. filed House Bill 3940, which seeks to create the Philippine Rubber Research Institute that will administer research and development programs that will improve the quality and increase productivity of rubber in the country.

Rodriguez cited a report of the Department of Agriculture stating that the country’s rubber industry accounted for only 1.05 percent of the world consumption of rubber in 2004.

Rodriguez said the world production of natural rubber is projected to increase at three to five percent per year up to 2020, that is from 6.6 million tons in 2006 to 17.4 million tons in 2010 to 28.1 million in 2020.

"The slow progress of the rubber industry can be attributed to the low quality of rubber products, lack of planting materials for expansion and lack of investments for the establishment of bud wood garden and nurseries," Rodriguez said.

Under the bill, the PRRI shall be headed by an executive director, appointed by the President of the Philippines for a term of three years, upon recommendation of the DA, who shall be responsible for the planning, implementation and supervision of the program and activities of the Institute.

An Advisory Board shall be created to formulate policies and initiate programs for the development of the Philippine rubber industry; review and recommend the annual budget of the Institute; evaluate the implementation, efficiency and effectiveness of the programs and projects of the Institute; and recommend the establishment or abolition of satellite units or branches.

The PRRI Advisory Board shall be composed of the Secretary of the DA or his representative as chairman; Undersecretary of DA, as vice-chairman; Executive Director of the Bureau of Agricultural Research; Executive Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry; Executive Director of the Philippine Rubber Research Institute; a representative from the rubber producers, and a representative from rubber processors, as members, to be appointed by the President, upon recommendation of the DA, for a term of three years.

The board shall monitor and evaluate the rubber research programs and identify the immediate needs and essential concerns of the rubber industry.