A new law establishing a rubber research institute has been signed by President Arroyo in a bid to jumpstart a more robust rubber industry in the country.

Under Republic Act 10089, the Philippine Rubber Research Institute (PRRI) is mandated to initiate and administer research and development programs to improve quality and increase rubber productivity for the benefit of small rubber producers and processors.

The research facility, which will be set up at the Mindanao State University (MSU) in Zamboanga Sibugay, will be under the control and supervision of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

The law, signed by the President last May 13, mandates the research facility to propagate planting, maintenance, and proper use of rubber trees as source of latex and finished rubber products as well as enable rubber producers and processors to have access to quality rubber tree seedlings.

It will also provide training and capacity-building programs for rubber producers, from the production to the marketing of rubber produce, as well as help in the establishment of village-based rubber enterprises to generate livelihood opportunities.

The institute would also promote cooperative development among small-holders and coordinate with other state agencies in crafting strategies to enhance the growth of the industry.

Earlier, the DA reported an increasing demand for rubber in the world market.

The country’s rubber production, however, is reportedly trailing behind other Asian economies amid concerns on poor quality of rubber products, shortage of planting materials for expansion, and lack of investments for creation of garden and nurseries for rubber produce.