Philippines to set up rubber authority

ERJ staff report (DS)

Manila -- A Philippines lawmaker has filed a measure that would create the Philippine Rubber Authority. The bill was introduced by Rep. Aurora Enerio-Cerilles (2nd District, Zamboanga del Sur)

House Bill 1350 seeks to create the Philippine Rubber Authority that aims to promote and accelerate development of the rubber industry and provide directions for the steady and orderly development of the industry.

"Improving the rubber sector must be done earnestly and the expansion of the industry must not end with the production of natural rubber. Other areas like manufacturing of rubber products must also be explored and this would certainly provide additional revenue for the country and prospective employment to the displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as well," Enerio-Cerilles said.

"While the demand for rubber never ceases nor is diminished, it is projected that the Philippines will experience a shortage of about 20,000 to 30,000 tons of natural rubber annually because of the slow rate of replanting and of new planting programs," Enerio-Cerilles said.

At present, Enerio-Cerilles said 75 percent of the rubber farmers are small-holders operating from two to five hectares. The manufacturing sector, which involves 160 companies recently, employs almost 15,000 people or an equivalent of more than 90 people employed per manufacturing establishment.

"The Philippines import of natural rubber is minimal, recorded at 572 tons in 1996. Imports could increase in coming years with the decline in domestic rubber production and establishment of new rubber factories.

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Press release from Philippines Information Agency