WHEREAS, major cultural and natural landmarks should be preserved, developed and maintained for the perpetuation of Filipino heritage and the enhancement of our national identity;

WHEREAS, the Ifugao rice terraces are a priceless legacy as one of man ™s best engineering achievement and a major tourist attraction in the Philippines;

WHEREAS, the Ifugao rice terraces are increasingly being threatened with destruction not only by traditional causes of decay but also changing social and economic conditions;

WHEREAS, to preserve and enhance the cultural and historical value of the rice terraces, it is imperative that a special organization be created to undertake the vital role and responsibility of restoring, maintaining and developing the Ifugao rice terraces;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. Creation of the Banaue Rice Terraces Task Force. There is hereby created under the Office of the President a Presidential Task Force to be called the Banaue Rice Terraces Task Force for the restoration and preservation of the rice terraces in the municipalities of Banaue, Aguinaldo, Hingyon, Hungduan, Kiangan, Lagawe, Mayoyao and Tinoc in Ifugao, herein after referred to as the Task Force composed of the following:

Secretary of Tourism	Chairman
Undersecretary of Agriculture	Vice-Chairman
Undersecretary of Environment and Natural Resources	Member
Undersecretary of Public Works and Highways	Member
Congressman of Ifugao	Member
Governor of Ifugao	Member
President of the Mayor ™s League of Ifugao	Member

A technical secretariat to the Task Force headed by an Executive Director is likewise created. The Executive Director shall be appointed by the President.

SEC. 2. Functions and Powers. The Task Force shall have the following functions and powers:

a. Formulate, coordinate and execute policies on the implementation of all programs, projects and activities of the government affecting or relating to the Ifugao rice terraces;

b. Initiate, plan, undertake and supervise the restoration, maintenance and development of the rice terraces walls, irrigations, dikes, paddies, watersheds, access roads and view decks;

c. Provide livelihood opportunities as an alternate employment for the constituents of these municipalities;

d. Sponsor and conduct cultural activities in the area;

e. To contract, lease, sell, dispose, acquire and own properties;

f. Receive, take and hold by bequest, device, donation, gift from foreign and domestic sources, either absolutely or in trust for any of its purpose any assets, grant or property, invest and reinvest the same and deal with and expand its assets and income in such manner as will best promote its objectives;

g. Enter into contracts with any private person or entity or any government agency, either domestic or foreign, whenever necessary for the effective discharge of its functions and responsibilities under such terms and conditions as it may deem proper and reasonable;

h. Provide grants for the conduct of historical, architectural or scientific researches pertaining to the rice terraces and for other purposes in furtherance of its objectives;

To adopt, alter and use a corporate seal; and

j. Exercise all powers as may be necessary, essential or incidental to the attainment of its objectives.

SEC. 3. Development Master Plan. The TASK FORCE upon approval of this Executive Order, shall immediately prepare a master development plan for the restoration, development and maintenance of the Ifugao Rice Terraces, including but not limited to tourism development, environmental protection, social, cultural and economic concerns. Said master development plan shall be incorporated by the concerned agencies in their respective agency development program for the ensuing years.

SEC. 4. Dissolution of the Ifugao Terraces Commission. Subject to the provisions of existing laws, the Ifugao Terraces Commission is hereby dissolved. All functions, assets, liabilities, records, appropriation, properties, facilities and equipment of the Ifugao Terraces Commission are hereby transferred to the TASK FORCE.

SEC. 5. Repealing Clause. EO 158 and EO 178 and other issuances, decrees, which are inconsistent with this Executive Order are hereby repealed or modified.

SEC. 6. Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect upon its approval.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 4th  day of March 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