NEWSFLASH

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CAVITE-BATANGAS DROUGHT PROMPTS COFFEE IMPORTS

Manila, May 31, 1998 - President Ramos approved the importation of 5,000 tons of coffee beans from coffee producers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the wake of declining coffee production in the country resulting from the El Nino-induced prolonged drought.

Executive Order 478 which the President issued would increase the minimum access volume (MAV) for coffee beans of 1,060 to 6,060 MT this year.

The President issued EO 478 after Congress failed to act on his proposal dated February 6, 1998 to allow such increase in importation.

Executive Secretary Alexander Aguirre said the President is authorized to "propose revisions, modifications or adjustments of the minimum access volume" 15 days after the inaction by Congress.

The EO took effect last May 22.

Assistant Executive Secretary Frumencio Lagustan said the country posted a 49,500-MT coffee bean production last year, showing a 16.6 percent drop from production in 1996.

Coffee growers in Cavite and Batangas were the most affected by the El Nino weather disturbance.

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