Presidential Memorandum No. 25

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

OF THE PHILIPPINES

Malacañang

Manila, September 2, 2002

MEMORANDUM

CIRCULAR NO. 25

DIRECTING ALL NATIONAL AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, BUREAUS, AND OTHER INSTRUMENTALITIES INCLUDING AGRICULTURAL INSTITUTIONS AND COUNCILS TO USE COCO PEAT OR COIR DUST AND COCONUT FIBER MATERIALS FOR SOIL CONDITIONING AND EROSION CONTROL.

In line with the program to promote better farm practices and environment conservation to mitigate the effect of drought during El Niño years, all heads of National and Local Government agencies, bureaus, and instrumentalities including Government institutions and councils involved in the implementation of farming programs are hereby directed to prescribe the use of coco peat and other coconut husk materials in farming and horticulture as effective soil conditioner and water moisture conservator.

Likewise, the use of geo-textiles and bio-logs or fascines made from coir or coconut fiber is hereby prescribed for use in infrastructure and public work projects for soil erosion control, more particularly of the Department of Public Works and Highways. These coir products, proven for their high tensile strength, are abundant, available, and biodegradable.

The use of coir will further provide additional income to coconut farmers and generate more jobs in the countryside.

The Department of Agriculture, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Philippine Coconut Authority shall issue the corresponding Implementing Guidelines within thirty (30) days from the date of issuance of this Memorandum Circular.

For strict compliance.

Manila, September 2, 2002

By the President:

(Signed) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary