Composition of the Committee
- Chairman: Cornelio Balmaceda, Special Adviser to the President on the ADB.
- Members:
- Representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs
- Representative of the Department of Commerce and Industry
- Representative of the Program Implementation Agency
- Representative of the Central Bank of the Philippines
- Representative of the Development Bank of the Philippines
- Committee may be expanded to include other government representatives upon the Chairman’s recommendation and Presidential approval.
Powers, Functions, and Responsibilities
- Coordinate with the Preparatory Arrangements Committee for establishing ADB headquarters at Pasay City.
- Arrange for leasing and furnishing temporary ADB offices.
- Review and consider architectural plans; select architects; recommend final building plans to the President.
- Advertise, evaluate, and recommend contracts for construction, furnishing procurement, and landscaping to the President.
- Coordinate with government entities and lobby Congress for necessary legislation, including:
- Ratification by the Senate of the Philippine of the ADB Establishment Agreement signed in Manila on December 4, 1965.
- Laws to reserve government land and appropriate funds for ADB and United Nations facilities.
- Appropriations for Philippine Government subscription to the ADB.
- Appropriations for site and construction of facilities for the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy.
- Act as liaison and assist the ADB on matters requiring Philippine Government action.
- Conduct studies and recommend on relocating the Philippine Merchant Marine Academy.
- Perform additional functions as designated by the President.
Obligations of Government Entities
- All government departments, bureaus, offices, government-owned or controlled corporations, and local government units and their officials and employees are mandated to cooperate and assist the Committee.
Legal and Administrative Coordination
- Emphasizes coordination between executive agencies and legislative bodies (Congress and Senate) for enactment of related laws and ratifications necessary to support the establishment and operationalization of the ADB in the Philippines.
Overall Importance
- Demonstrates the Philippine Government’s active role in establishing the Asian Development Bank’s headquarters in the country.
- Reflects the government’s commitment to provide physical infrastructure and legislative support for the ADB’s successful establishment and operations in the Philippines.