Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 544)
The primary purpose is to create a Presidential Committee for the Conservation of the Tamaraw to conserve the Tamaraw as a source of national pride and strengthen government programs for its conservation.
The committee was created by President Ferdinand E. Marcos by virtue of the powers vested in him by law.
The committee is composed of Minister Manuel Elizalde, Jr. as Chairman, Assemblyman Luis Yulo as Member, and Assistant Director Jesus Alvarez, Jr. as Member.
The committee may recommend policies to the President, initiate and coordinate conservation programs, prescribe rules and regulations, coordinate government and private organizations, take necessary action for gene pools or captive herds, solicit donations, involve the private sector, enter contracts, call on government agencies for assistance, promote Tamaraw tourism, support scientific studies, and perform other functions necessary to attain its goals.
Yes, the committee may delineate and fence areas within the Tamaraw habitat or in other places considered appropriate by the President to establish gene pools or captive herds to ensure the survival of the Tamaraw.
Yes, it can solicit and accept donations in cash or in kind from domestic and international sources to support its activities.
The Committee may enter, make, and execute contracts of any kind necessary or incidental to the attainment of its purposes with any person or corporation.
Yes, it can call on any government agency, office, instrumentality, local governments, and even the Armed Forces of the Philippines for assistance necessary to perform its functions and powers.
Yes, the Committee is authorized to organize and establish a technical staff with qualified personnel and may hire experts and consultants, both local and foreign.
It is authorized to draw funds from available funds of the Office of the Presidential Assistant on National Minorities and/or other government agencies and offices participating in the conservation program.
The Committee may tap the services of members of national minorities within various Tamaraw reservations to the widest extent possible to assist in conservation efforts.
The Committee shall regularly report to the President of the Philippines on the progress of its activities.
No, the Executive Order No. 544 does not specify any penalties or sanctions; it focuses on the establishment and functions of the Committee for conservation efforts.