Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 474)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 474 is to establish the coordination and management mechanism for the preparation and implementation of the Mindanao Rural Development Program (MRDP), focusing on rural development in Mindanao.
The Department of Agriculture is designated as the lead national government agency responsible for coordinating the preparation and implementation of the Mindanao Rural Development Program.
The MRDP Office is a Special Program under the Department of Agriculture established to integrate, coordinate, supervise, and formulate policies, investment programs, and institutional capacity building initiatives needed for planning and implementing rural development projects in Mindanao.
The MRDP Office, including the Program Board and the Program Management Office, is located in Kidapawan, Cotabato.
The Program Board is composed of the Secretary of Agriculture as Chairperson, regional directors of NEDA Regions XI and XII as Vice-Chairpersons, governors of participating provinces, five mayors from participating municipalities, regional DA directors, representatives from government agencies (DENR, DAR, DILG, DPWH, DTI), chairpersons of Provincial Agricultural and Fisheries Councils, business community representatives, basic sector representatives, NGO representatives, and the Program Director of the PMO.
The Program Board reviews and endorses development goals and policies; provides overall direction, coordination, and supervision; pools resources and encourages support; reviews organization and appointments within the PMO; endorses budgets to the DBM; approves internal rules and regulations; can amend Board composition; and performs other functions directed by the President.
The PMO serves as the technical and administrative secretariat of the Board, undertaking the day-to-day activities, leading preparation of the multi-year program and budget, providing technical support, coordinating with agencies and stakeholders, entering contracts necessary for operations, formulating internal rules, conducting program evaluations and monitoring, and performing other Board-directed functions.
The Program Director is a full-time position appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture in consultation with the Program Board.
Local government units, in close coordination with line agencies and participating communities, are responsible for planning their respective program components and ensuring that contracts for preparation and implementation comply with existing agency procedures and arrangements.
The Department of Agriculture shall allocate funds from any lump sum appropriations in the General Appropriations Act for the operational requirements of the MRDP Office based on the work and financial program submitted by the Program Board.
The MRDP Office shall have a term corresponding to the time required to complete the preparation and implementation of the Program projects.
The Executive Order took effect immediately upon signing, dated March 24, 1998.