Prohibited Activities
- Total ban on harvesting, gathering, buying, selling, and mutilating of matured abaca plants and young leafsheaths (locally known as abakbaka or aumbaka) for commercial purposes.
- Prohibition aims to prevent the decimation of abaca resources and protect fiber sources.
Definitions
- Abaca Plant: Scientifically known as Musa textiles Nee, belonging to the Musaceae family, resembling banana plants but with distinct leaf characteristics.
- Abakbaka or Aumbaka: Terms used locally to describe the abaca leafsheaths (overlapping leaf bases) forming the stalk or stem of the plant.
Implementation and Supervision
- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is tasked with supervising and monitoring implementation.
- Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), as an attached agency of DA, serves as the lead implementing agency.
- Coordination involves Barangay, Municipal, and Provincial Governments, Regional Field Units of DA, Philippine National Police, Philippine Ports Authority, Bureau of Customs, Legislative Officials, and other government bodies.
Implementing Rules and Budget
- Department of Agriculture to issue implementing guidelines to ensure effective enforcement.
- Inclusion of specific budget line items for FIDA to support implementation efforts.
Repealing Clause
- Revokes or modifies any existing executive orders, rules, regulations, or issuances inconsistent with this Order.
Effectivity
- The Order takes effect immediately upon publication in a newspaper of general circulation.