QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTION NO. 211)
To speed up replanting and rehabilitation of agriculture damaged by recent floods in specified provinces/subprovince by directing multiple government agencies to undertake financing, irrigation repair, infrastructure restoration, seed/fertilizer procurement and distribution, and budget releases.
The Central Bank, Philippine National Bank (PNB), and Agricultural Credit Administration were directed to consolidate all past-due obligations of farmers in the calamity-stricken areas and restructure them over a maximum period of three years.
It ordered that the maximum limit be raised from P1,200 to P1,500 per hectare on a case-to-case basis as certified by the production technician and/or Provincial Program Officer involved.
NIA was instructed to immediately service and repair all irrigation pumps submerged by flood waters, and to hire or contract additional personnel as needed for the duration of the emergency.
It was directed to allocate an amount from its program adjustment fund as may be required by NIA for such purposes to supplement NIA funds.
The Department of Public Highways. “Top priority” implies the agency must prioritize these repairs over other non-emergency activities to ensure rapid restoration of infrastructure vital to rehabilitation.
The Department of Public Works. Special attention was given to the Francis dike and floodgate, Pasig-Potrero dike, and Kitangil-Abacan River dike.
BPI was ordered to procure and make available required rice seeds at prevailing prices and at half-price if necessary, payable after the next harvest in cash or in kind.
BPI and the Department of Agriculture were authorized to utilize the Seed Procurement Fund or any other funds for this purpose.
The Department of Agriculture (through the Bureau of Agricultural Extension and BPI) was authorized to hire as production technicians agricultural high school graduates if necessary and, in the absence of agriculture college graduates, notwithstanding provisions of the civil service rules and regulations to the contrary.
It was directed to allocate fertilizer requirements of the areas to be replanted, as determined by the National Food and Agriculture Council.
It was instructed to make available to farmers the required rice dryers to salvage rice crops.
It was ordered to release the first and second quarter appropriations for FY 1974-75 of all the above-cited government agencies.
Yes. Personnel were authorized to render overtime work for the duration of the emergency for the projects of repair referenced in the instruction, in the calamity areas.
It stated that all provisions of other Letters of Instruction inconsistent with these orders are merely repealed or modified accordingly.
It shall take effect immediately.