Law Summary

Introduction

Executive Order No. 53, issued by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on December 8, 1966, establishes the Manpower Development Council (MDC) within the Office of the President of the Philippines. The MDC aims to enhance the development and utilization of manpower to achieve economic growth and fulfill the objectives of the Four-Year Economic Development Program.

Establishment of the Council

• Legal Basis: The Council is created under the authority vested in the President by law.
• Composition:
  • Ex-Officio Chairman: Secretary of Labor
  • Members include representatives from the National Economic Council, Department of Education, National Defense, Presidential Economic Staff, Community Development, as well as representatives from private management and labor.

Responsibilities and Functions

The Manpower Development Council has a broad range of duties aimed at integrating and coordinating manpower development efforts across various sectors.

• Key Duties:
  • Long-term Planning: Develop an integrated long-term manpower plan to support social and economic development.
  • Coordination: Promote and coordinate manpower planning activities across represented agencies and private sectors.
  • Priority Determination: Establish and assess priorities for manpower development and utilization programs.
  • Research Coordination: Prioritize and coordinate essential research projects related to manpower plans.
  • Periodic Review: Evaluate all human resources development activities assigned to governmental agencies.
  • Technical Assistance: Evaluate requests for external technical assistance in manpower training and development.
  • Reporting: Submit annual reports and budgets to the President.
  • Emergency Management: Recommend manpower resource allocation during national emergencies.
  • Rule Promulgation: Establish necessary rules and procedures for the execution of the Order.
  • Advisory Role: Advise the President on human resource development and utilization matters.

Financial Provisions

• Budget Utilization: The Council is authorized to draw funds from the budgetary appropriations of any government department or agency to facilitate the implementation of its approved programs.

Effective Date

• Immediate Effect: This Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

Key Takeaways

• The Executive Order establishes the Manpower Development Council to centralize and enhance manpower development efforts in the Philippines.
• Composed of key government officials and representatives from labor and private sectors, the MDC is tasked with comprehensive responsibilities ranging from planning to emergency management.
• The Council has the authority to utilize government funds for its operations, emphasizing the importance of budgetary support for manpower development initiatives.
• The Order is effective immediately and underscores the government's commitment to strategic manpower development to support economic growth.