Policy basis and declared purpose
- The instruction directs implementation to ensure the continuing success of the Masagana 99 rice production program in achieving food self-sufficiency.
- The instruction identifies rat infestation as a perennial problem requiring a medium and long term solution.
- The instruction emphasizes the need to address other pests and diseases that similarly cause significant damage to food crops.
- The instruction mandates a coordinated and systematic approach to the country’s pest control problems.
Creation of barangay RAPPS implementation force
- The Department of Local Government and Community Development must fully involve all barangays in the pest control program.
- Barangay involvement must be done by forming Barangay Rat and Pest Patrols, known as RAPPS.
- RAPPS must be coordinated by the Crop Protection Coordinators of the Bureau of Plant Industry.
- RAPPS must serve as the principal instruments of implementation of the national rat control program and other pest control activities.
Local incentives and group action
- The DLGCD must use its discretion to devise ways and means to quicken barangay group action toward pest control.
- The instruction specifically authorizes methods such as holding contests.
- The instruction specifically authorizes other incentives.
- Incentives and contests must use resources available at the local level.
Mandatory support by local governments
- Municipal and provincial governments must actively support, participate in, and encourage the work of all Barangay RAPPS in their jurisdictions.
Pesticide and rodenticide price control coordination
- The Secretary of Agriculture must confer with manufacturers and distributors of pesticides and rodenticides.
- The instruction requires the conference effort to prevent any price increases.
- The instruction directs efforts to even reduce prices whenever warranted by cost considerations.
Landowner obligations to eradicate rat breeding
- The Department of Agriculture, with assistance of the military if necessary, must ensure that owners of land that have become breeding places for rats take appropriate measures.
- Appropriate measures must include rat extermination methods.
- Measures must conform to timetables prescribed by the Bureau of Plant Industry.
- If landowners fail to comply, the government must undertake the measures itself or through authorized entities.
- When the government undertakes the measures, it must do so for the account of the landowners.
Medium- and long-term crop protection planning
- The Department of Agriculture, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, must develop for presidential approval a comprehensive and integrated medium and long-term plan.
- The plan must protect agricultural crops from all types of rats, pests and diseases.
National Crop Protection Center program
- The Secretary of Agriculture must immediately draw up a program to establish a National Crop Protection Center.
- The program must be developed in consultation with leading agricultural colleges and universities.
- The National Crop Protection Center must integrate all scientific and technical information and research facilities.
- The program must also establish an effective field network of crop protection centers strategically located throughout the country.
- The Secretary of Agriculture must present the National Crop Protection Center program to the President for approval at the soonest possible time.
Effectivity
- The instruction provides that it takes effect immediately.
- It is dated and executed in the City of Manila on May 19, 1976.