4/21/2003 - (AP) - PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, April 17 Asia Pulse - ViceGovernor David Ponce de Leon has passed an ordinance that would establishthe Palawan Council for Palm Oil Industry Development (PCPOID).

Ponce de Leon said the proposed PCPOID is an offshoot of the visit here ofsome Malaysian officials.

As proposed, the PCPOID will formulate policies and plans for thedevelopment of palm oil industry in Palawan and will recommend policies tothe Provincial Board for appropriate legislative measure, Ponce de Leonsaid.

PCPOID will also determine the areas suitable for palm tree plantationswithin the province and will initiate research on palm oil development.

It will also advocate the promotion and institutionalization of the palmoil industry, particularly on the milling plants and seed farms, he added.

The PCPOID will also be tasked to monitor, evaluate and recommend measuresin the implementation of the programs of the provincial government on palmoil industry, the vice governor said.

If approved, the PCPOID will have Governor Joel Reyes as its chairman andPonce de Leon as vice-chairman.