Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 554)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 554 is to create and activate a Task Force on International Refugee Assistance and Administration to respond to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees' request, and to assist in the processing, temporary lodging, and administration of refugees in the Philippines, especially from Vietnam.
The Task Force on Refugee Assistance and Administration is headed by the Minister of Human Settlements as its Chairman.
The members of the Task Force include the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Public Works, Public Highways, Local Government and Community Development, Natural Resources, Health, Agriculture, Education and Culture, Transportation and Communications, and the Acting Minister of Social Services and Development.
The main functions of the Task Force are to establish and administer refugee processing centers and camps, coordinate with UNHCR and Philippine government agencies for refugee assistance, manage and utilize funds and assistance provided by international entities, supervise staff assisting in refugee management, call upon government agencies for support, and submit periodic reports to the government and the UN regarding activities and funds disposition.
Tara Island and Ulugan Bay in the province of Palawan were designated as the initial refugee processing centers and camps.
The General Manager of the National Housing Authority is designated as the project coordinator for the immediate establishment, construction, and operation of the refugee camps in Palawan.
The Task Force can call upon any department, ministry, bureau, office, or agency of the government for such assistance as it may require in the performance of its functions related to refugee assistance and management.
Yes, the minister-members of the Task Force may designate their respective representatives, provided that the designated representatives are empowered to decide and/or act on their behalf.
The Chairman can receive gifts or donations, administer, obligate, and disburse appropriations and donations upon approval by Task Force members, and hire and maintain a working group or staff necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Task Force.
The Philippine government supports the efforts of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) through this Executive Order.