MALACAÑAN PALACE

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 70

PROVIDING FOR THE FUNCTIONS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ASSISTANT FOR FOOD SECURITY AND AGRICULTURAL MODERNIZATION

WHEREAS, the National Government recognizes the importance of rural development, rural poverty reduction and sustainable management of natural resources as long term goals;

WHEREAS, to integrate and strengthen the development framework to achieve such goals, the National Convergence Initiative (NCI) was created through Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 (s. 2010) of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the mechanisms and objectives of which were reaffirmed under the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016;

WHEREAS, consistent with the above-stated goals, there is likewise a need to enhance and coordinate the efforts of the National Food Authority, National Irrigation Administration, Philippine Coconut Authority, and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority in fulfilling their respective mandates; and

WHEREAS, the President has appointed a Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization to hasten and further intensify government efforts for the achievement of the above goals and purposes.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Functions. The Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization shall have the following functions:

a) Coordinate and monitor, in conjunction with the National Steering Committee and Technical Working Group for the National Convergence Initiative (NCI), all policies, programs, projects and activities relating to the NCI;

b) Exercise oversight over the National Food Authority (NFA), National Irrigation Administration (NIA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) with respect to the implementation of policies, programs, projects and activities;

c) Submit to the President, through the Executive Secretary, reports and recommendations in connection with his functions set forth herein; and

d) Perform such other functions and activities as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of this Order, or as may be directed.

SECTION 2. Assistance and Cooperation. The DA, DAR, DENR, NFA, NIA, PCA, FPA, and all other departments, agencies, or instrumentalities of the government, including government-owned or -controlled corporations, are hereby directed to render full assistance and cooperation to the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization as may be required to carry out his functions pursuant to this Order. Local government units, non-governmental organizations and the private sector are also encouraged to give assistance as the circumstances may require.

SECTION 3. Effectivity. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 5th of May, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Fourteen.

(Sgd.) BENIGNO S. AQUINO III

By the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
Executive Secretary