QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTION NO. 127)
The Letter of Instruction directs an increase in the support price for palay of 50 kilos from P30.00 per cavan to P35.00 per cavan.
The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources was directed to undertake the implementation of the program; the Administrator of the National Grains Authority was directed to help implement the price support/procurement mechanism; and the Secretary of the Department of National Defense was enjoined to assist the Special Committee on Rice Procurement when called upon.
It is to support farm prices at a level that enables farmers to make a profit and repay their obligations, in view of the impending Masagana 99 harvest.
It must ensure that the procurement mechanism implements the P35.00 support price to the farmer through the prescribed procurement process.
The procurement mechanism should utilize all reputable private millers and traders, to the fullest extent possible.
It requires harnessing all trucking and shipping companies to ensure the swift flow of the harvest from farms to mills to market.
The military is enjoined to assist the Special Committee on Rice Procurement whenever called upon to implement all phases of the price support and procurement program.
The Special Committee on Rice Procurement is directed to ensure that the procurement mechanism implements the P35.00 support price to the farmer.
The impending Masagana 99 harvest and the need to support farm prices so farmers can profit and repay obligations.
It calls for immediate and strict compliance with the Letter of Instruction.
It was issued on September 13, 1973 in the City of Manila and signed by President Ferdinand E. Marcos.
The support price is for palay of 50 kilos from the present P30.00 per cavan up to P35.00 per cavan.
Students may ask whether compliance is purely informational (communicating prices) or operational (ensuring procurement transactions actually reflect P35.00 per cavan paid to farmers), and what controls/enforcement the procurement mechanism must have.
The directive for immediate and strict compliance implies the responsible agencies/officials may be subject to administrative accountability for non-compliance or improper implementation.