Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1350)
The main purpose of Letter of Instructions No. 405 is to address the rat infestation problem and other pest issues that threaten rice production, particularly supporting the Masagana 99 rice production program and ensuring food self-sufficiency in the Philippines.
The Department of Local Government and Community Development (DLGCD) and the Department of Agriculture are primarily directed to implement the measures under this Letter of Instructions.
Barangay Rat and Pest Patrols (RAPPS) are to be the principal instruments for implementing the national rat control program and other pest control activities at the barangay level.
The Department of Agriculture is authorized to compel landowners to take appropriate rat extermination measures within prescribed timetables, and if they fail, the government may undertake these measures at the landowners' expense.
The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to confer with manufacturers and distributors to prevent price increases and, if possible, to reduce prices based on cost considerations.
The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, is tasked to develop a comprehensive and integrated medium and long-term plan to protect agricultural crops from rats, pests, and diseases.
A National Crop Protection Center is to be established to integrate scientific and technical information and research facilities with an effective field network of crop protection centers across the country.
The DLGCD is responsible for fully involving barangays by forming and coordinating Barangay RAPPS and encouraging barangay participation through contests and incentives.
Municipal and provincial governments are expected to actively support, participate in, and encourage the work of Barangay RAPPS within their jurisdictions.
Yes, it mentions that the Department of Agriculture may seek the assistance of the military if necessary to implement rat extermination measures.