Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 725)
Executive Order No. 725, issued on May 15, 2008, directs and authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to manage and coordinate all efforts of relevant agencies regarding rice management.
The three fundamental needs are: 1) To ensure rice supply; 2) To ensure rice distribution efficiently and cost-effectively to those who need it most; and 3) To be vigilant against unscrupulous traders who may price gouge.
The Secretary of Agriculture is mandated to reach out to countries like Thailand and Vietnam to increase the national security stock of rice and seek advice from those with experience and specialization in the commodity and its free market.
The Philippine Productivity Rice Master Plan is a government plan attached as Annex A to the executive order that is approved for immediate implementation to increase and improve rice production.
GFIs such as the Land Bank of the Philippines and the Development Bank of the Philippines are to adopt necessary measures, including board resolutions, to provide credit facilities to qualified farmers and farmer organizations to enhance rice production.
The Secretary is authorized to enter into Memoranda of Agreement with local government units, GFIs, countryside financial institutions, and private organizations to address rice supply shortages and manage financing schemes for farmers to purchase inputs at the lowest possible cost.
Rice distribution is to be coordinated through churches and faith organizations, schools, and the government's own network to reach the people who need rice the most.
The Secretary of Agriculture shall be assisted by a Task Force on Rice Enforcement, which will ensure sanctions are imposed to the fullest extent of the law on any unscrupulous traders caught exploiting the rice market.
Relevant agencies of the Executive Department, GOCCs, and GFIs shall share the costs of rice management according to their mandates and roles or as may be agreed among themselves.
The order took effect immediately upon its signing on May 15, 2008.