QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 375)
The EO states it is issued “by virtue of the powers vested in me by law,” specifically referring to the President’s constitutional and statutory authority to create committees for government purposes.
To create a Special Committee in charge of nationwide preparations and activities commemorating the centennial of the birth anniversary of Geronima Tomelden Pecson on December 19, 1996.
It is scheduled for December 19, 1996; the EO notes that this date will mark the centennial of Pecson’s birth anniversary.
Chairman: Secretary Ricardo T. Gloria (Department of Education, Culture and Sports). Co-Chairman: Hon. Salvador H. Laurel (Chairman, National Centennial Commission).
Vice-Chairman: Dr. Serafin D. Quiason (National Historical Institute). Co-Vice-Chairman: Mr. Dante G. Santos (Chairman, Board of Trustees, Foundation for Youth Development in the Philippines).
Aside from the Chairman, Co-Chairman, and Vice positions, Section 1 enumerates 10 additional individuals as Members (total listed persons: 11 including the leadership positions). The EO specifies a multi-agency composition covering education, centennial bodies, culture, local government, and youth/women organizations.
It is tasked to coordinate with relevant agencies and undertake: (a) prepare a general program and submit it to the President for information; (b) promote/direct a symposium on Pecson’s life (Manila or Pangasinan); (c) prepare/publish a comprehensive biography; and (d) install a monument in her birth place in Lingayen, Pangasinan.
The Committee must prepare the general program and submit a copy to the President for information.
Support shall be composed of detailed personnel from the National Historical Institute, the National Commission for Culture and the National Centennial Commission.
The Committee will be funded with an initial budget drawn from the President’s Contingent Fund, with the amount recommended by the Committee and approved by the President.
The Committee is an ad hoc body, and its existence terminates upon completion of all activities, programs, and projects related to the centennial.
It takes effect immediately upon issuance.
As an ad hoc body, it is created for a specific purpose and time-bound function; therefore, its authority and existence end once the centennial-related undertakings are completed.
The monument should be installed in Pecson’s birth place of Lingayen, Pangasinan (Pangasinan province).
The EO includes representatives from DECS, National Centennial Commission, National Historical Institute, local government (Governor of Pangasinan), UNESCO National Commission, National Commission for Culture and the Arts, National Council of Women, Girl Scouts-related regional leadership, youth organizations, women’s clubs, and a foundation linked to youth development. This illustrates inter-agency and sectoral participation in government commemorations.
Mrs. Loreto T. Herrera, a member of the committee, identified as the only living sister of late Senator Geronima T. Pecson, and serving as Treasurer, National Federation of Women’s Clubs of the Philippines.