Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 248)
The North Philippines refers to the four administrative regions north of the National Capital Region, specifically Regions 1, 2, 3, and the Cordillera Administrative Region.
The CEA-GC is a program created under the Office of the President to promote and encourage active and extensive economic cooperation among the economies within the Central East Asia sub-region, focusing on North Philippines' integration into this economic area.
The President shall appoint a Presidential Action Officer for the Central East Asia Growth Circle Program (PAO-CEAGC) who holds the rank of Undersecretary.
Key duties include: (a) Promoting foreign investments, trade, and tourism in North Philippines; (b) coordinating activities of departments and agencies related to the program; (c) mobilizing private sector participation; (d) preparing economic and feasibility studies; (e) advocating national policies favorable to North Philippines' participation.
The Advisory Council advises the PAO-CEAGC on different aspects of the program, ensures the goals and policies align with national development objectives, and guarantees consistency with regional and local development plans.
Members include: the Executive Secretary (Chairman), Secretaries of key departments such as Trade and Industry, Foreign Affairs, Socio-Economic Planning, Tourism, Transportation and Communication, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Public Works and Highways; Presidential Assistants; Regional Development Council Chairmen; private sector representatives; Congressional Representatives; Governors; City Mayors; and administrators of government corporations and commissions in the four regions.
The Department of Budget and Management is directed to release an initial lump sum funding of PHP 18,000,000 from the Presidential Contingent Fund or the Organizational Adjustment Fund for the period of September to December 1999 for the organization and administrative needs of the PAO-CEAGC. Additional funding for 2000 and subsequent years is to be sourced similarly or through the general appropriations bill.
The PAO-CEAGC is authorized to promulgate necessary rules and regulations to implement the Executive Order and ensure smooth operation of the CEA-GC program.
The program shall be implemented through a strategy of phased progression that starts with bilateral arrangements and eventually leads to a multilateral economic cooperation agreement among member economies.