Title
Guidelines for SRA Localization and Implementation
Law
Executive Order No. 356
Decision Date
Jul 12, 1996
Executive Order No. 356 aims to address poverty in the Philippines by implementing the Social Reform Agenda (SRA) and establishing guidelines for its localization and monitoring.
A

Social Reform Agenda as an Empowerment Track

  • The Social Reform Agenda (SRA) operationalizes the people empowerment track of Philippines 2000.
  • Expanded to the Integrated National Action Agenda on Anti-Poverty.
  • Adopted during the National Anti-Poverty Summit held on March 19-20, 1996.

Objectives of SRA Localization

  • Aims to reduce poverty incidence by 30% by 1998.
  • Ensures policies and resources reach targeted sectors and grassroots communities.
  • Requires active bureaucracy and participatory civil society.
  • Emphasizes consensus-building processes for effective implementation.

Geographic Scope Expansion

  • SRA implementation area expanded from 20 priority provinces to all regions, provinces, cities, and municipalities nationwide.
  • Necessitates strengthening of existing networks and broader stakeholder participation.
  • Highlights the critical roles of local government units (LGUs) and basic sectors.

War on Poverty Strategy

  • Poverty reduction broken down into manageable battles.
  • Clearly defines areas of engagement, roles, and accountabilities for key stakeholders at national and sub-national levels.

Adoption of Institutional Arrangement Guidelines

  • All National Government Agencies (NGAs) and LGUs must adopt the guidelines on SRA Institutional Arrangements issued by the Social Reform Council (SRC).
  • Mandatory in-house orientation and dissemination of guidelines to officials and personnel.

Roles and Responsibilities of Stakeholders

  • Flagship Agencies: Implement and monitor SRA programs and resource commitments; provide accessible information to basic sector organizations and LGUs.
  • Convergence Lead Agencies: Orchestrate convergence of programs and resources; oversee Minimum Basic Needs approach installation and monitoring.
  • Cabinet Officers for Regional Development (CORDs): Coordinate implementation and monitoring of Regional Social Reform Agenda with regional agencies, LGUs, and basic sectors.
  • Local Government Units: Lead implementation and monitoring of Local Social Reform Agenda in coordination with basic sector organizations.

Coordination Among Government Agencies

  • NGAs must continuously interface with sectoral and local counterparts.
  • Provide support and complementary interventions for anti-poverty plans and programs.

Operational Support and Issuances

  • NGAs and LGUs are directed to issue necessary operational rules in close coordination with SRC Secretariat.
  • Ensures consistency with the provisions of the Executive Order.

Monitoring and Evaluation

  • Flagship Agencies, Convergence Lead Agencies, CORDs, and LGUs must conduct periodic monitoring and evaluation of guidelines implementation.
  • SRC Secretariat to convene a sub-committee for biannual assessment.
  • Guidelines on institutional arrangements may be refined as necessary.

Monitoring and Evaluation System (MES)

  • SRC adopts an MES focusing on Minimum Basic Needs and Basic Reform Commitments.
  • Tracks effective allocation and utilization of resources for anti-poverty programs.
  • Endorsed by SRC Technical Working Group.

Funding Mechanisms

  • Funding sources: Flagship Agencies, Convergence Lead Agencies, and Office of the CORDs.
  • Augmentation funds may come from President's Contingent Fund and other Presidential-authorized funds.
  • Coordination with Department of Budget and Management and SRC Secretariat required.
  • Financial release subject to availability of funds and compliance with accounting and auditing rules.
  • SRC tasked to prepare guidelines for fund management.

Effectivity Clause

  • The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

Signing Authority

  • Issued by President Fidel V. Ramos.
  • Authorized and countersigned by Executive Secretary Ruben D. Torres.

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