Preservation of Foodstuffs
- The Secretary is tasked with adopting necessary measures for the preservation of foodstuffs that require or can be preserved based on their nature and necessity.
Investigation and Data Gathering
- Required to conduct investigations to collect data on demand, supply, manufacture, storage, and consumption of foodstuffs.
- Must gather information on available seeds and data relevant to actual production including swine, poultry, vegetables, fruits, and tubers.
Appropriation of Funds
- Five hundred thousand pesos appropriated for purposes of the Act.
- Funds cover expenses related to propaganda, lectures, demonstrations, and equipment for investigations and experiments especially related to food preservation.
- Appropriation available until January 1, 1919, with unexpended balances reverting to the Insular Treasury.
Regulatory Powers and Compliance Enforcement
- Authorized to issue rules and regulations for implementation of the Act.
- May issue orders setting minimum quantities of foodstuffs each family or individual must produce, based on petition by provincial boards and approval of Secretary of the Interior.
- Penalties for non-compliance include fines up to two hundred pesos or subsidiary imprisonment if fines are unpaid.
- Also penalizes refusal to provide information or documents or intentionally making false statements during investigations.
Duration and Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon passage.
- It is effective until October 16 following the proclamation of peace between the United States and Germany by the President of the United States.