Establishment of Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas

Establishment of IAC-PSO

Section 1 establishes an Inter-Agency Committee on Philippine Schools Overseas (IAC-PSO).
Section 1 fixes the composition of the IAC-PSO as DECS, DFA, DOLE, OWWA, and CFO as members.
Section 1 provides that the IAC-PSO is chaired by DECS and co-chaired by the DFA.
Section 1 provides that the CFO shall serve as the secretariat of the IAC-PSO.
Section 1 allows the IAC-PSO to call on other government agencies to assist in specific matters concerning Philippine schools or overseas educational/cultural programs.

Policy purpose and overall mandate

Section 2 declares the IAC-PSO to be a policy-making body and a forum for discussing and resolving issues on the establishment, operation, and management of Philippine schools overseas and similar overseas educational programs.
Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to review, formulate, adopt, or recommend policies and programs to establish and maintain high standards of educational management and to ensure quality education for Filipino youth overseas consistent with national policy.
Section 2 directs the IAC-PSO to act as arbiter in matters regarding Philippine schools overseas that are brought to its attention.
Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to ensure the effective and efficient implementation of its policies and programs through regular meetings and consultations.

Core functions of the IAC-PSO

Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to develop policies and guidelines for the establishment, operation, management, accreditation, and regulation of Philippine schools and educational programs overseas.
Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to develop a system for classifying institutions overseas that provide Philippine-based curriculum and instruction.
Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to conduct studies on issues and problem areas affecting the operation of Philippine schools overseas.
Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to provide inputs to DECS for the development of standards and systems for monitoring and evaluation of Philippine schools overseas.
Section 2 requires the IAC-PSO to hold meetings and consultations on a regular basis to implement policies and programs effectively and efficiently.
Section 2 authorizes the IAC-PSO to conduct site visits and ocular inspections of Philippine schools overseas to advance its objectives.

Responsibilities of member agencies

Section 3 assigns specific responsibilities to DECS, DFA, DOLE, OWWA, and CFO in support of the IAC-PSO.
DECS (under Section 3) must:
- Review and prescribe guidelines enabling Philippine schools overseas to maintain academic standards, improve overall efficiency, and enable the licensing of foreign-owned schools offering the Philippine curriculum.
- Develop a system for classifying institutions overseas providing Philippine-based curriculum and instruction.
- Establish qualification standards for the selection, recruitment, appointment, and promotion of school personnel.
- Develop guidelines for supervision of school personnel and administration of disciplinary standards and procedures.
- Develop a standard performance appraisal and reporting system for the operation of Philippine schools overseas.
- Provide professional, technical, and administrative advice as requested by Philippine schools overseas.
DFA (under Section 3) must:
- Coordinate with host governments regarding the establishment of Philippine schools overseas to ensure effective and efficient operation.
- Disseminate information on the policies and guidelines promulgated by the IAC-PSO and DECS governing the establishment and operation of Philippine schools overseas.
- Accept applications to establish and operate Philippine schools overseas and endorse them to DECS through the CFO for accreditation and/or recognition.
- Assist DECS in monitoring and determining the level of compliance by the schools with DECS guidelines to ensure effective and efficient management and operation.
- Provide advice to various school boards whenever appropriate and necessary for effective and efficient operation.
DOLE (under Section 3) must:
- Assist the IAC and DECS in disseminating policies and guidelines on establishment and operation of Philippine schools overseas.
- Generate interest among Filipino communities abroad in establishing and operating Philippine schools at overseas duty stations and provide assistance needed in the establishment process.
OWWA (under Section 3) must:
- Provide advice on the conceptualization and implementation of income-generating community projects/activities to support school operations.
- Extend or assist in obtaining donations for educational materials/equipment, including assistance in procuring and shipping instructional and reading materials needed by schools.
- Extend modest loan packages or subsidies for school projects/requirements, subject to OWWA Board policies and program thrusts.
- Assist DOLE and the Philippine Mission in generating interest among overseas Filipino communities in establishing and operating Philippine schools.
- Assist in disseminating information on policies and guidelines regarding establishment and operation of Philippine schools overseas.
CFO (under Section 3) must:
- Provide secretariat support to the IAC and keep records of IAC meetings and agreements.
- Assist in disseminating information on policies and guidelines for establishment, operation, and management of Philippine schools overseas and coordinate inter-agency actions to support this function.
- Develop researches necessary to review, clarify, and or formulate policies to effect better operation, management, and representation of schools.
- Provide technical or other advice as may be necessary or requested by Philippine schools overseas or Philippine communities overseas, pursuant to the objectives of the Executive Order.
- Develop and maintain an information system on Philippine schools overseas, including relevant educational laws and regulations of host countries.
- Extend assistance in obtaining donations from public or private sources for educational materials, equipment, or school facilities.

Guidance and support to overseas communities

Section 4 requires the IAC-PSO to provide policy guidance, advice and assistance, and encouragement to Filipino communities overseas for the establishment and operation of Philippine schools or overseas educational programs.

Funding and budgeting for implementation

Section 5 provides that all expenditures necessary for implementing the programs and activities of the IAC-PSO are charged against and provided for in the respective budgets of the member agencies.
Section 5 expressly includes in allowable expenditures costs of ocular inspections and honoraria.

Implementing guidelines by departments and agencies

Section 6 requires the identified departments and agencies to formulate the necessary guidelines, as well as rules and regulations, to effectively implement Executive Order No. 252.

Legal and constitutional foundations stated

The order’s framework is built on the State’s constitutional duty under Article XIV, Section 1 to protect and promote the right to quality education and to take steps to make education accessible to all.
The order grounds participation and overseas support on agency mandates, including references to R.A. 8042 for the Country Team Approach for leadership in the protection and promotion of welfare of Filipino migrant workers abroad.