LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 272

TO    :    All Concerned

In the light of the UNDP-sponsored feasibility study being undertaken by the World Bank into the development of Hacienda Looc, and in order to preserve the estate for future development, the transfer of Hacienda Looc from the Development Bank of the Philippines to the Philippine Tourism Authority is hereby deferred until the future uses for the property and parts thereof are determined.

Pursuant to this the following instructions are hereby issued:

1)    A special action group, to be attached to the government counterpart team participating in the feasibility study, is hereby created to formulate and institute measure to put an immediate stop to kaingin farming in the property and such other interim measures as may be called for in the course of the study.

2)    The heads of the Department of Tourism, the Department of Public Works and Communications, the Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Agrarian Reform, the Development Bank of the Philippines and such other agencies whose assistance may be required for this purpose shall provide support to this special action group, including the assignment of personnel to such body.

3)    The Development Bank of the Philippines shall provide the funds necessary for the completion of the feasibility study as well as for the accomplishment of the tasks of the special action group.

4)    The composition of the government counterpart study team shall be duly expanded to include all agencies covered by this Letter of Instructions.

Since 19.07.98.