Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 194)
The purpose is to create a Public-Private Sector Task Force to coordinate Philippine participation in the post-war reconstruction and development of Iraq.
The Task Force was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 194 issued by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The Task Force is composed of government officials such as the Senior Adviser on International Competitiveness (Chairman), Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Energy, Special Envoy for Middle East Preparedness Team, Philippine Ambassadors to Iraq, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, and four private sector representatives appointed by the President.
The Task Force shall coordinate public and private participation in Iraq’s reconstruction, develop and implement an action plan to enhance participation, provide representation to Philippine Government and private sector in relevant international bodies, assist Philippine companies in infrastructure rehabilitation, evaluate companies to ensure quality, develop procedures to expedite manpower deployment, and undertake other relevant actions.
The Executive Committee, composed of key undersecretaries and private sector representatives, acts on urgent matters on behalf of the Task Force.
The Secretariat provides technical and administrative support to the Task Force and is based in Manila. An office abroad, such as in Kuwait, is established under the oversight of the Philippine Ambassador to carry out the mandate effectively.
The release of Ten Million Pesos from the Contingent Fund is authorized as seed money. The Task Force may also source additional funds from the private sector.
The separability clause ensures that other parts or provisions not affected will continue to be in full force and effect.
The repealing clause states that all executive orders, proclamations, memorandum orders, or circulars inconsistent with this Order are repealed or modified accordingly.
The Order took effect immediately upon signing on April 14, 2003.