Law Summary

Introduction

Executive Order No. 511, issued on March 16, 1992, by President Corazon C. Aquino, establishes an interim Inter-Agency Task Force to facilitate private sector involvement in developing Agro-Industrial Development Areas (AIDA) across the Philippines. This initiative aligns with the government's Countryside Agro-Industrial Development Strategy (CAIDS).

Background and Policy Declaration

• Legal Principle: The establishment of the Task Force is rooted in the urgent need to integrate and replicate countryside development efforts in AIDA to advance national growth.
• Key Definitions:
  • AIDA: Agro-Industrial Development Areas aimed at enhancing rural development.
  • CAIDS: Countryside Agro-Industrial Development Strategy adopted by the government.
• Policy Declaration: The State recognizes the vital role of the private sector in fostering national development.

Composition of the Task Force

• Legal Provision: The Task Force will consist of a Chair, a Co-Chair, and several members from key government departments.
• Key Members:
  • Chairman: Chair of the Coordinating Council on the Philippine Assistance Program.
  • Co-Chair: Secretary of Agriculture.
  • Members include:
    • Secretary of Agrarian Reform
    • Secretary of Socio-Economic Planning
    • Secretary of Trade and Industry
    • Chairman of the Development Bank of the Philippines
    • President of the Land Bank of the Philippines.

Functions of the Task Force

• Legal Principle: The Task Force is empowered to lead initiatives in establishing AIDA.
• Key Responsibilities:
  • Identify funding sources for family farm schools and rural development centers.
  • Contract NGOs and private entities for the establishment and operation of these centers.
  • Monitor and facilitate the development efforts of AIDA participants.
• Important Procedures:
  • NGOs must generate operational funds from agro-industrial enterprises.

Grants and Financial Management

• Legal Provision: The Task Force can provide direct and indirect grants to NGOs for establishing family farm schools and development centers.
• Key Details:
  • Grants can come from local and foreign funding sources.
  • The Task Force can enter into agreements as needed for effective implementation.

Authority of the Secretary of Agriculture

• Legal Provision: The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to sign agreements on behalf of the Task Force.
• Requirements: This includes contracts extending grants or assistance.

Task Force Secretariat

• Legal Provision: A Secretariat will be jointly established by the Coordinating Council on the Philippine Assistance Program (CCPAP) and the Department of Agriculture.
• Purpose: To assist the Task Force in fulfilling its duties.

Coordination with the Private Sector

• Legal Principle: The Task Force is tasked with facilitating collaboration with the private sector for establishing agro-industrial facilities.

Government Assistance and Support

• Legal Provision: The Task Force can request material and manpower assistance from any government agency.
• Scope of Assistance: This includes any necessary support for the implementation of the AIDA program.

Transition of Responsibilities

• Legal Provision: All functions of the Task Force will be transferred to the Department of Agriculture effective June 30, 1992, or as determined by the President.
• Key Requirement: This transition is contingent upon the discretion of the President.

Legal Provisions on Effectiveness and Amendments

• Constitutionality: If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain effective.
• Amendments: Consistent administrative issuances are modified or repealed.

Effective Date

• Legal Provision: This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon issuance.

Key Takeaways

• Establishment of the Interim Inter-Agency Task Force to enhance private sector participation in AIDA.
• Task Force consists of key government officials and is tasked with funding, contracting, and monitoring development initiatives.
• Authority granted to the Secretary of Agriculture to enter agreements for funding and support.
• Transition of Task Force responsibilities to the Department of Agriculture by June 30, 1992.
• Immediate effectivity of the Executive Order, with provisions for amendments and constitutional challenges.