WHEREAS, it is the declared policy of the State to promote the rapid integrated development and growth of the coconut and other palm oils industry in all its aspects;

WHEREAS, the coconut industry is one of the major earners of foreign exchange for the country, such that the economic well-being of one-third of our population depends to a large extent on its viability;

WHEREAS, the continued survival, growth and development of the coconut industry are vital to the national economy;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) was created to implement and attain the above declared national policy, and in the light of the expanded role that this Agency must now perform, its upgrading in the Government set-up becomes necessary for a more effective administration of the government ™s policies and programs for the industry;

WHEREAS, under PD No. 1416, as amended, the President is empowered to undertake such organizational and related improvements as may be appropriate in the light to changing circumstances and new developments;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FERDINAND E. MARCOS, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and by law, do hereby direct and order that effective immediately, the Chairman of the Philippine Coconut Authority shall have the rank, qualifications, privileges and benefits of a Minister and shall be a Member of the Cabinet.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 26th day of March, in the year of Our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-four.


By the President:

(SGD.) JUAN C. TUVERA
Presidential Executive Assistant