WHEREAS, with the onset of globalization and the implementation of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade-World Trade Order (GATT-WTO), the Philippine agriculture and fishery sectors have to be strengthened through modernization, greater participation of farmers and fisherfolk, food security and self-sufficiency, private sector participation and people empowerment;

WHEREAS, the State has declared agriculture as the centerpiece of development of the current administration to uplift the plight of the masses in the rural areas;

WHEREAS , the government has launched agricultural development programs, with the primary goal of attaining national food security at all times;

WHEREAS , there is a need for a coordinating body that shall oversee, unify and integrate the administration and implementation of the government ™s food security programs; and

WHEREAS , under Sec. 31, Title III, Book III of Administrative Code of 1987, the President has a continuing authority to reorganize his Office.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA , President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby establish the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Food Security (OPAFS) under the Office of the President, and providing the necessary funds and its Secretariat.

SECTION 1. Functions of the OPAFS.

The OPAFS shall have the following functions:

a) Coordinate and evaluate the programs, projects, activities and accomplishments of all government agencies responsible in the implementation of the different aspects of food security;

b) Oversee, monitor and recommend policies, programs and other measures related to food security for their effective formulation and implementation;

c) Serve as the Secretariat of the National Council on Food Security. The Presidential Adviser on Food Security shall serve as Co-Chairman of the Council;

d) Manage the Agriculture Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (ACEF);

e) Call on any department, office, agency and other instrumentalities of the government for assistance in the discharge of its functions;

f) Consolidate and submit periodic reports to the President on the status of food security programs; and

g) Perform other functions as may be necessary to attain the objectives of the national food security program and discharge such other duties as the President may direct.

SEC. 2. Organization of the OPAFS. The OPAFS shall be headed by a Presidential Adviser on Food Security with a Cabinet rank. It shall have a corps of Executive Staff and Administrative and Finance Staff that shall function under the supervision and control of the Presidential Adviser on Food Security.

SEC. 3. Supervision of relevant agencies. The following government offices shall be under the supervision of the Presidential Adviser on Food Security for policy and program coordination, namely:

1. National Agriculture and Fisheries Council (NAFC)

2. National Nutrition Council (NNC)

3. National Agri-Business Corporation (NABCOR)

4. Such other offices as may be designated by the President of the Philippines from time to time.

SEC. 4. Appropriation of Funds. The Department of Budget and Management is hereby directed to appropriate and release sufficient funds for the organization of the OPAFS and for its initial operations. Henceforth, funds sufficient to fully carry out the functions and objectives of the OPAFS shall be appropriated every fiscal year in the General Appropriations Act.

SEC. 5 . Repealing Clause. All executive issuances, orders, rules and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with any provision of this Executive Order are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 25th day of May in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Nine.

(SGD.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary