WHEREAS, the Mango Pulp Weevil [MPW] (Sternochetus frigidus) and Mango Seed Weevil [MSW] (Sternochetus mangiferae) are injurious pests of mango fruits and detri¬mental to the export of the commodity.

WHEREAS, based on surveys conducted from March 2007 to February 2008 under the BPI-ACIAR Project entitled "Improving the Mango Industry Sustainability and Small-holder Income Generation in the Philippines through Expansion of Area Freedom Certification Against Mango Pulp and Seed Weevils," revealed that the Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte, Philippines is absolutely free from both MPW and MSW. Low monitoring survey conducted from March 2008 to present confirmed the absence of MPW and MSW in Samal Island.

WHEREAS, the absence of both pest paves the way for the expansion of mango export markets to countries which require areas free from these weevils.

WHEREAS, the improvement of the socio-economic status of mango stakeholders can be achieved through substantial income derived from the domestic and export sales of quality mango fruits.

WHEREAS, quarantine measures in Samal Island have been established in order to maintain its status as free from the two weevils.

WHEREAS, Section 17 of PD 1433 empowers and authorizes the Director of Bureau of Plant Industry to promulgate such quarantine orders, rules and regulations to implement the provisions of said Decree.

NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Director of the Bureau of Plant Industry under Section 17 of PD 1433 otherwise known as the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978, this Special Quarantine Administrative Order is hereby promulgated as follows:

SECTION 1. The City of Samal Island in Mindanao is hereby officially declared as area free from and clear of the Mango Pulp Weevil (Sternochetus frigidus) and Mango Seed Weevil (Sternochetus mangiferae).

SECTION 2. The movement, transfer and carrying of mango planting materials, fruits or parts thereof into the City of Samal Island is hereby prohibited with the particular exception when the movement, transfer and carrying of the said mango planting materials, fruits or parts thereof are in limited quantity and for experimental purposes only subject to the further condition that a prior permit for such purpose is first secured from the Director of the BPI or his/her authorized representative.

SECTION 3. lnorderto carry out effective plant quarantine measures the Director of the BPI, in accordance with Section 16 of PD 1433, may request the national provincial, municipal and barangay officials and members of the Armed Forces in City of Samal Island to assist in the implementation/enforcement of such measures to maintain the area freedom status of the Cty of Samal Island from the aforementioned pests.

SECTION 4. All companies engaged in land, water and air transportation shall not ship or carry mango planting materials, fruits or parts thereof into the City of Samal Island except for those covered by Section 2 of this Order.

SECTION 5. any person who violates the provisions of this Order or forges, counterfeits, alters, defaces and destroys any document issued by virtue hereof shall be prosecuted pursuant to the penalties imposed under Section 23 of PD 1433 consisting, inter alia, of a fine of not more than PhP 20,000.00 or imprisonment from prison correctional to prison mayor, or both at the discretion of the court.

SECTION 6. This order supersedes and revokes prior orders or other issuances contrary to or inconsistent herewith and shall take effect immediately upon approval fifteen (15) days after its publication as required by law.

Adopted: 08 August 2011


(SGD.) CLARITO M. BARRON, PHD, CESO IV
Director, Bureau of Plant Industry

Approved:

(SGD.) PROCESO J. ALCALA
Secretary, Department of Agriculture