Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 1782)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 1782 is to create the Philippine Islamic Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to strengthen political and economic ties with Islamic countries in the Middle East and to promote Philippine culture, trade, and provide assistance to Filipinos in Saudi Arabia.
The Center houses all regional offices and agencies of the Philippine government in the Middle East as well as those accredited specifically to the Saudi Arabian Government.
The Center contains an exhibition area on the Philippines in general and the southern Philippines in particular, including exhibits of Muslim art, culture, and other informational materials on the land and people of the southern Philippines.
The Center contains a prayer room for Filipino Muslims and other facilities necessary for rendering assistance to Filipino residents and visitors to Saudi Arabia, both Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
The Board is composed of the Chief of Mission to Saudi Arabia as Chairman, the Deputy Chief of Mission or next ranking officer as Vice-Chairman, three members elected annually by heads of Philippine government offices in Saudi Arabia, and the Philippine Islamic Center Manager who acts as Secretary.
The Board is responsible for the operation, maintenance, and management of the Center, approval of lease contracts, appointment of consultants and the Center Manager, formulation and implementation of programs under the policy guidance of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and submission of an annual report to the President.
An initial appropriation of Eight million pesos is provided for the Center's establishment, and an annual appropriation of Four million pesos is allocated thereafter for its maintenance and operation, with additional funds authorized as needed.
Yes. All Philippine government agencies or offices and private firms using the Center, except the Philippine Embassy for the first three years, must pay rent based on prevailing rates in comparable buildings nearby.
The Philippine Trade Center is a trade, tourism, and investment center serving as the focal point for such activities in the Middle East, under the supervision of the Ministry of Trade, featuring a trade information library, restaurant, auditorium, rental offices, storage room, and other facilities.
The Ministry of Trade directly supervises the Philippine Trade Center, and an annual appropriation of Two million pesos is authorized for its maintenance and operation.
Yes, the Center is exempt from applicability of any provisions of existing laws or regulations that are inconsistent with this Presidential Decree.