Section 5Sec./Art. 5

The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA). - The PCA, an independent public corporation created under Presidential Decree No. 1468, shall be reconstituted and strengthened to ensure the participation of coconut farmers in the crafting and implementation of the Coconut Farmers and Industry Development Plan. The composition of the PCA Board is hereby amended and the same shall now be composed of the following:

(a) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA), as Chairperson;

(b) The Secretary of the Department of Finance (DOF), as Vice Chairperson;

(c) The Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM);

(d) The Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST);

(e) The Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI);

(f) The Administrator of the Authority; and

(g) Three (3) members from the coconut farmers sector (one (1) from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao): Provided, That the representatives from the coconut farmers sectors shall be Filipino citizens, registered with the PCA's Coconut Farmers Registry, own not more than five (5) hectares of coconut farm in the last ten (10) years, have considerable experience and reputable track record in promoting coconut farmers' interest and welfare, and nominated by coconut farmers organizations or cooperatives that are active for the past three (3) years in farmer organization and development or community enterprise development.

They shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines from a list of four (4) nominees for each island grouping: Provided, That any appointment to fill a vacancy in the Board arising from death, removal, retirement, or resignation of the appointive members of the Board shall only be for the unexpired term: Provided,further, That the term of office of the appointive members of the Board shall be for one (1) year, unless sooner removed for cause: Provided, finally, That any appointive member of the Board shall continue to hold office until a successor is appointed.

The government representatives in the reconstituted PCA Board shall, within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of this Act, coordinate with the PCA in promulgating a nomination and screening process for the nominees of representatives of the coconut farmers in consultation with their respective organizations or associations.

IV

RECONVEYANCE OF COCONUT LEVY ASSETS AND/OR FUNDS