Legal Basis and Quarantine Context
- The order is issued in accordance with Proclamation No. 314.
- The order is issued by virtue of the powers vested in the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Proclamation No. 314 declared the Island of Guimaras a “Special Quarantine Zone” and an area free from mango pulp weevil and mango seed weevil.
- Proclamation No. 314 requires that appropriate mechanisms and measures be provided to prevent introduction of mango pulp weevil and mango seed weevil into Guimaras.
Purpose and Policy Intent
- The order establishes a plant quarantine security system that maintains effective prevention of the introduction of mango pulp weevil and mango seed weevil into the Island of Guimaras.
- The order links quarantine maintenance to the acceptability of Guimaras mangoes in export markets.
Prohibition on Entry of Mango Materials
- Section 1 prohibits the introduction and/or bringing into the Island of Guimaras of mango fruits and seeds.
- The prohibition covers mango fruits and mango seeds coming from outside the Island of Guimaras.
Plant Quarantine Security System Established
- Section 2 establishes the Plant Quarantine Security System (PQSS) in the Island of Guimaras.
- The PQSS operates under the direct control and supervision of the Plant Quarantine Service in the Bureau of Plant Industry.
- The PQSS is operated by Plant Quarantine Officers and other plant quarantine personnel duly assigned thereat.
Core Security and Interception Actions
- Section 3 requires the PQSS to cause the prevention of introduction or entry into Guimaras of all mango fruits and seeds produced outside the Island.
- Section 3 requires interception action: when mango parts are intercepted, Plant Quarantine Officers shall cause either:
- destruction of the intercepted mangoes; or
- return of the intercepted mangoes to the place of origin.
- Section 3 imposes the cost for interception disposition (destruction or return) on the owner/s.
Manpower Assignment for Guimaras
- Section 4 requires the Bureau of Plant Industry to coordinate with the Regional Director of Region VI.
- Section 4 mandates assignment of competent Plant Quarantine Officers in and at points of entry in the Island of Guimaras.
Funding Control and Administration
- Section 5 provides that all funds allocated by virtue of Proclamation 314 for maintenance of the Plant Quarantine Service in Guimaras are placed under the control and management of the Bureau of Plant Industry.
Inter-Office Cooperation
- Section 6 requires cooperation between:
- the Director of Plant Industry, and
- the DA Regional Director for Region No. VI, to achieve the objectives of the order in a smooth, efficient and effective manner.