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WHEREAS, after an extensive survey undertaken by a USDA/APHIS and the Bureau of Plant Industry, it was established that the Island Guimaras is free from any infestation of mango pulp weevil and mango seed weevil;

WHEREAS, on the basis of the above-findings the President of the Philippines, under Proclamation No. 314, had declared the Island of Guimaras a "Special Quarantine Zone, an area free from mango pulp weevil and mango seed weevil and that appropriate mechanism and measures be provided by the Bureau of Plant Industry to prevent the introduction of the said mango pests into the Island.

WHEREAS, Philippine mangoes, i.e. the Manila Super Sweet variety is a high potential export commodity particularly those grown and produced in the Island of Guimaras;

WHEREAS, mangoes produced in the Island of Guimaras can be acceptable in the U.S. markets if and when the Island is maintained as a pest-free zone.

WHEREAS, it now becomes imperative that the Plant Quarantine Service Bureau of Plant Industry provide a Plant Quarantine security system which shall maintain effective prevention of introduction of mango pulp weevil and mango seed weevil into the Island of Guimaras as envisioned in Proclamation No. 314 by the President of the Philippines.

WHEREAS, equally important is the provision of manpower and fund component to the said Plant Quarantine Service which is heretofore bound to carry out the above-mentioned quarantine activities;

WHEREAS, the Bureau of Plant Industry which possesses the required expertise on plant quarantine shall have direct supervision and control of plant quarantine activities together with the funds allotted thereto in Region No. VI, particularly in the Island of Guimaras as well as in other areas in the Region.

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Proclamation No. 314 and by virtue of the powers vested by law in the Secretary of Agriculture, the following are hereby promulgated/directed:

SECTION 1. Prohibition - The introduction and/or bringing into the Island of Guimaras of mango fruits and seeds are hereby prohibited.

SECTION 2. The Plant Quarantine Security System - The Plant Quarantine Security System (PQSS) under the direct control and supervision of the Plant Quarantine Service in Bureau of Plant Industry is hereby established in the Island of Guimaras. The PQSS shall be operated by Plant Quarantine Officers and other plant quarantine personnel duly assigned thereat.

SECTION 3. Functions - The PQSS shall cause the prevention of introduction or entry into the Island of Guimaras all mango fruits and seeds produced outside the said Island. In case of interception of abovementioned mango parts the Plant Quarantine Officers shall cause the destruction or return of the said mangoes to the place of origin, at the expense of its owner/s.

SECTION 4. Manpower Component - The Bureau of Plant Industry in coordination with the Regional Director of Region VI shall assign its competent Plant Quarantine Officers in and points of entry in the Island of Guimaras.

SECTION 5. Fundings - All funds allocated by virtue of Proclamation 314 for the maintenance of Plant Quarantine Service in Guimaras Island shall henceforth be under the control and management of the Bureau of Plant Industry.

SECTION 6. Cooperation - The Director of Plant Industry and the DA Regional Director for Region No. VI shall cooperate with each other for the smooth, efficient and effective attainment of the objectives envisioned in this Order.

SECTION 7. Effectivity - This Order shall take effect immediately and shall revoke/supersede Orders inconsistent herewith.

Adopted: 27 Dec. 1993

(SGD.) ROBERTO S. SEBASTIAN
Secretary