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Philippines : Creation of rubber industry board pushed [TendersInfo (India)](TendersInfo (India) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) A lawmaker is pushing for the creation of a national rubber industry development board to provide a strong foundation for the development and stability of the rubber industry in the country. Rep. Isagani S. Amatong (3rd District, Zamboanga del Norte) said the establishment of the Philippine Rubber Industry Development Board (PHLRUBBER) though House Bill 4886 will maximize the country s production of rubber. Amatong bewailed the lack of testing facilities in the government and private sectors and the absence of an industry-focused government institution/organization, which could have improved quality, productivity and access to good market. "The Philippines is a known rubber producing country but has insignificantly contributed to a dismal one percent of the world s rubber supply. Given the rich and fertile soil of our area, there is so much potential in rubber that can contribute to the national economic development," Amatong said. The Mindanao solon said the demand for natural rubber in the world is steadily increasing and that in 2013 alone, the expected volume of world demand for natural rubber reached 11.3 million. "To date, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected the demand to reach 11.9 million and the IMF predicts the market to reach at 15.4 million metric tons by 2020," Amatong said. Under his proposal, the PHLRUBBER or Board shall serve as the country's rubber development board. It shall be an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and shall be composed of the secretaries of DTI and the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Science and Technology (DOST), Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Interior and Local Government (DILG). Likewise, the Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority; President/CEO of the Land Bank of the Philippines and two representatives each from the Academe, Philippine Rubber Industries Association Inc., Natural Resources Processors, Small Holders Association and Federation of Rubber Cooperatives shall form part of the Board. The Board's major task is to promote the development and growth of the rubber industry by improving productivity, quality, and expanding manufacturing and export of rubber and rubber products. Among the specific responsibilities of the Board are to act as the top advisory body in all initiatives and concerns relevant to the rubber industry, promote investment in public and private lands, joint ventures in rubber planting, processing, and rubber products manufacturing as well as advocate for supportive policies including the provision of rubber industry development funds, long-term finance, private equity, and investment incentives. (c) 2014 Euclid Infotech Pvt. Ltd. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |