Creation and Purpose of the Philippine Islamic Center
- The Presidential Decree establishes the Philippine Islamic Center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
- It will house all regional offices and agencies of the Philippine government in the Middle East as well as those accredited specifically to the Saudi Arabian government.
- The Center will include an exhibition area showcasing the Philippines overall and particularly the southern Philippines, with emphasis on Muslim art and culture.
- It will contain a prayer room for Filipino Muslims and other facilities necessary to assist Filipino residents and visitors, regardless of religion.
- A Philippine Trade Center will be part of the Center with specific provisions discussed later.
Establishment and Composition of the Philippine Islamic Center Board
- A governing Board is created to manage operations and resources of the Philippine Islamic Center.
- Composition:
- Chairman: Chief of Mission to Saudi Arabia
- Vice-Chairman: Deputy Chief of Mission or next ranking official at the Philippine Embassy in Jeddah
- Three members elected annually by heads of Philippine government offices in Saudi Arabia, serving one-year terms, appointments subject to approval by the Chairman, whose decisions can only be appealed to the Office of the President
- The Center Manager, acting as Board Secretary
Functions and Responsibilities of the Board
- Accountable to the President for operation, maintenance, and management of the Center.
- Required to meet at least once annually to prepare an activity report, submitted via the Minister of Foreign Affairs by December 31 each year.
- Formulate and implement programs in line with the Center’s purposes under the Minister of Foreign Affairs' policy guidance.
- Approve lease contracts related to the premises.
- Power to appoint consultants, who receive allowances and travel expenses as determined by the Board.
- Appoint the Center Manager responsible for implementing Board policies, with salary determined considering local rates and Center income.
- Undertake other functions consistent with the Decree’s objectives.
Funding and Appropriations
- Initial appropriation of eight million pesos from the National Treasury for the Center’s startup.
- Annual appropriations of four million pesos for ongoing maintenance and operations.
- Additional funds may be authorized as needed.
Charges and Rent Policy for Use of the Center
- All Philippine government agencies, offices, and private firms using the Center will pay rent, with the exception of the Philippine Embassy for the first three years of the Center’s operation.
- Rent rates to be based on prevailing rates for comparable facilities within a two-block radius, calculated per square foot monthly or annually.
Establishment and Functions of the Philippine Trade Center
- The Center will include the Philippine Trade Center dedicated to trade, tourism, and investment promotion in the Middle East.
- Supervised directly by the Ministry of Trade.
- Operated under guidelines issued by the Minister of Trade.
- Facilities include:
- Trade information library
- Restaurant
- Auditorium
- Rental offices for Filipino businessmen
- Storage room
- Other areas deemed necessary by the Ministry of Trade
Coordination and Support for the Trade Center
- The Ministry of Trade will act as the coordinating and clearinghouse agency for trade support activities involving the Trade Center.
- An annual appropriation of two million pesos is allocated for maintenance and operation of the Trade Center.
Exemption from Conflicting Laws
- The Philippine Islamic Center is exempted from any existing laws or regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Decree.
This comprehensive legal framework ensures the establishment, management, and sustainability of the Philippine Islamic Center in Jeddah, viewed as a strategic diplomatic and cultural institution aimed at enhancing Philippine relations with the Islamic Middle East and supporting Filipinos abroad.