Law Summary
Policy Basis and Rationale
- Government policy promotes export trade focusing on indigenous and labor-intensive products.
- Cottage industry exports had significant market potential as early as 1971.
- Product design has been identified as a problem area for exports due to limited adaptability to foreign aesthetic and practical tastes.
- The Center's creation seeks to improve design adaptability while reflecting Philippine culture.
Powers and Functions of the Center
- Create, develop, promote, and enhance product design and adaptability.
- Maintain research and development programs on design and adaptability.
- Promote minor and applied arts, traditional and contemporary crafts.
- Facilitate cooperation among artists, craftsmen, and producers.
- Coordinate product design activities across government and private agencies.
- Specify, approve, or regulate product designs intended for export.
- Promulgate rules and regulations to implement the decree.
Organizational Structure and Governance
- The Center is governed by a Board of nine members.
- Members include secretaries from Trade, Tourism, Foreign Affairs, heads of related agencies, the Center's Executive Director, and two private sector members.
- Private members appointed by the President based on competency, moral character, and Filipino citizenship.
- Board decisions require a quorum of five members and majority vote.
- Compensation includes per diems for private members and allowances for ex officio members.
Executive Director and Reporting
- Executive Director appointed by the President.
- Responsible for implementing the Board's policies and plans.
- Submits quarterly accomplishment reports to the Board.
- Board submits annual fiscal year report to the President.
Funding
- Initial funding for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 1974, is ₱1,250,000.
- Contributions from Department of Trade, National Cottage Industries Development Authority, National Manpower and Youth Council, Department of Tourism, and future appropriations.
Staffing and Support
- Administrative personnel appointed by the Executive Director with Board approval.
- Technical personnel and consultants hired based on competence, integrity, and honesty.
- The Center may request assistance from other government agencies with Presidential approval.
Penalties for Violation
- Violators face imprisonment from six months to five years or fines ranging from ₱2,000 to ₱20,000, or both.
- If the offender is a corporation or association, guilty officers are penalized.
- Alien officers may also be deported without further proceedings.
Effectivity
- The decree takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper with general circulation in the Philippines.