LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 396

: Sections 6(a) and 8(b) of Philippine Tobacco Board Regulation No. 2-75 implementing Presidential Decree No. 628 were suspended regarding cigar filler (native tobacco) grown in certain areas.
: The affected parties are the approximately 6,154 farmers in the Ilocos Region and Central Luzon who planted a total of 3,077 hectares of cigar filler (native) tobacco, as well as buyers of such tobacco.
: The suspension applies to Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, and Pangasinan.
: Because some farmers continued planting cigar filler tobacco due to tradition and unsuitability of their lands for other tobacco types despite the regulations, risking their economic stability without relief.
: An estimated 2,055,550 kilos valued at P6,166,650 were produced from the 3,077 hectares planted by farmers.
: The Philippine Tobacco Administration is tasked to undertake trading operations for price stabilization of the cigar filler tobacco if market conditions warrant.
: It is to intensify the information campaign among farmers to promote compliance with the objectives of Presidential Decree No. 628.
: The aim is to protect the economic well-being of the farmers and prevent their economic ruin and dislocation.