Creation of Task Force for Marine Turtle Conservation

The order finds an urgent need to conserve economically important marine turtles facing total depletion.
The order requires greater national involvement to ensure the survival and development of industries tied to specific marine resources.
The order recognizes that over-exploitation requires a concerted effort among concerned agencies or marine turtle resources will be lost as a livelihood source for Filipinos, especially seafaring tribes and Muslims.
The order directs aggressive conservation through movement-building, substitute livelihood creation, and balancing sustained yield with conservation.

Section 1 creates a TASK FORCE PAWIKAN under the Office of the President.
Section 1 requires the Task Force to enforce existing rules and regulations pertaining to marine turtles.
Section 1 requires the Task Force to conduct field investigations relevant to formulating updated policies for the economic utilization of the species.
Section 1 requires the Task Force to conduct Information and Extension Work to make people responsive to and participative in marine turtle conservation.
Section 1 requires the Task Force to conduct socio-economic surveys to form the basis for substitute avocations for people currently using marine turtles, to ease pressure on the marine turtle population.
Section 1 requires the Task Force to coordinate with international agencies concerned with marine turtle conservation.

Section 2 creates a Task Force Pawikan Council.
Section 2 provides that the Council is chaired by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources.
Section 2 directs that the Council, upon recommendation of the Chairman, shall appoint an Executive Officer responsible for the actual conduct of activities of the Council.
Section 2 mandates the Council to include representatives from:
- Ministry of Natural Resources
- National Economic Development Authority
- Office of the Regional Coordinator, Southwestern Mindanao Region
- Ministry of Local Government and Community Development
- Ministry of Trade
- Ministry of Cultural Minorities
- Ministry of Education and Culture
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ministry of Public Information
- National Media Production Center
- University of the Philippines
- Philippine Council for Agriculture Resources Research
- Ministry of Human Settlements
- Forest Research Institute

Section 3 requires Task Force Pawikan to select, establish, and manage marine turtle sanctuaries.
Section 3 limits sanctuaries to exclusive use for the propagation and absolute protection of marine turtles.

Section 4 provides a funding set-aside from the Special Activities Fund.
Section 4 sets the appropriation for the current year and annually thereafter.
Section 4 limits the availability for a period of six years.
Section 4 fixes the amount at PHP 2,000,000.00 for the Task Force and Council.

Section 5 provides that after six years from approval, the Council shall turn-over the project.
Section 5 requires turnover to the Government agency the Council deems appropriate.
Section 5 includes turnover of all its activities and resources.

Section 6 repeals or modifies all laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with Executive Order No. 542.
Section 7 reiterates immediate effectivity upon issuance.