EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 177, February 17, 2003

TRANSFERRING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL STUD BOOK OF THE THEN NATIONAL STUD FARM, FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT AND RE-ASSIGNING IT TO THE PHILIPPINE RACING COMMISSION

WHEREAS, the National Stud Farm, created under RA 4618, dated June 19, 1965, has already been integrated with the other units and agencies of the Department of Agriculture, by virtue of Executive Order (E. O.) No. 281, dated August 22, 2000, and E. O No. 296, dated October 3, 2000;

WHEREAS, one of the major remaining activities of the National Stud Farm, being maintained by the Bureau of Animal Industry of the Department of Agriculture, is the Philippine National Stud Book;

WHEREAS, the maintenance of the Philippine Stud Book is still an important process in the registration of racehorses in the country, and needs to be strengthened and given a certain degree of autonomy and discretion;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Racing Commission was created pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 420 aimed at raising public confidence in the sport of horse racing, among others;

WHEREAS, under the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the President in order to attain simplicity, economy and efficiency.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Transfer of the Philippine National Stud Book to the Office of the President. The operations relevant to the maintenance of the Philippine National Stud Book, including the appropriate personnel, assets and resources, is hereby transferred from the Department of Agriculture to the Office of the President, and then re-assigning it to the Philippine Racing Commission.

Section 2. Rules and regulations to Implement the Transfer. The Secretary of Agriculture and a Senior official from the Office of the President shall formulate the rules and regulations to implement the transfer of the Philippine National Stud Book, and re-assignment thereof to the Philippine Racing Commission.

Section 3. Repealing Clause.- All Executive Orders, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Executive Order, are hereby revoked or modified accordingly.

DONE in the City Manila, this 17th day of February, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and three.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary