Republic Act No. 9242

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy

It is the policy of the State to instill patriotism and nationalism among the people, especially public officials and employees, who shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people, promote the preferential use of locally manufactured goods that utilize local resources, adopt measures that help make them competitive and thus generate wider employment and greater benefits to the country.

Section 2. Definition

Tropical fabrics are defined as those containing natural fibers produced, spun, woven or knitted and finished in the Philippines.

Section 3. Usage of Philippine Tropical Fabrics

the use of Philippine tropical fabrics is hereby prescribed for official uniforms of government officials and employees and for the purposes which require the use of fabrics in government offices and functions.

Section 4. Purchase of Tropical Fabrics

Philippine tropical fabrics used for the uniforms of government officials and employees, and for other government purposes shall be purchased from local sources in accordance with law.

Section 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations

The Civil Service Commission, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and in consultation with the concerned private sector, shall promulgate the rules to implement this Act consistent with the viable development plan for the sector.

Section 6. Appropriations

For the initial implementation of this Act, and amount of P60 Million shall be provided from the Agricultural and Fisheries Modernization Act Fund to be allotted to Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) for the promotion of the commercial production of plant fibers and for the conduct of continuing research on the improvement of the process of extracting plant fibers. Thereafter, the amount necessary for the continued implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Section 7. Submission of Annual Report

The Civil Service Commission, in coordination with the Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology and Department of Trade and Industry, shall submit an annual report to the Civil Service Committees of both Houses of Congress on or before the end of December of every year.

Section 8. Separability Clause

If any part of this Act is declared unconstitutional, the remaining parts not affected thereby shall continue to be valid and operational.

Section 9. Repealing Clause

All laws, decrees, orders, circulars, rules or regulations and other issuances which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity

This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette or at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,

FRANKLIN DRILON President of the Senate	JOSE DE VENECIA JR. Speaker of the House of Representatives

This Act which is a consolidation of House Bill No. 5977 and Senate Bill No. 2637 was finally passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate on November 20, 2003 and October 27, 2003, respectively.

OSCAR G. YABES Secretary of Senate	ROBERTO P. NAZARENO Secretary General House of Represenatives

Approved: February 10, 2004

GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO President of the Philippines