Title
Supreme Court
Program to Refocus Orientation for the Poor
Law
Executive Order No. 370
Decision Date
Sep 25, 1989
Executive Order No. 370 establishes the PRO-POOR program in the Philippines, targeting low-income municipalities to improve socio-economic growth and quality of life through enhanced public services and decentralization policies.

Law Summary

Objective of the Program

  • To foster and accelerate socioeconomic growth in LIMs.
  • To improve the quality of life in targeted municipalities.

Coverage and Targeting

  • Approximately 450 LIMs targeted in a phased approach over three years.
  • Municipalities selected based on poverty-related criteria with consultation involving Local Government Executives (LGEs) and Regional Development Councils (RDCs).
  • New municipalities may be added in subsequent years.
  • Emphasis on improving delivery of public services such as expanding coverage, raising quality, and increasing effectiveness.
  • Program adopts structures consistent with decentralization and local autonomy policies.
  • Municipal-based planning, consultation, prioritization, and implementation.
  • Focus on managing local resources and ensuring development goal alignment.
  • Community participation is encouraged to sustain future actions.

Implementation Mechanism

  • Agencies involved include DA, DECS, DOH, DAR, DLG, DOTC, DSWD, PC-INP, DPWH, DOLE, DTI, DENR, DOST, LWUA, NIA, NEA, and PIA.
  • These agencies form a core team to assist the local mayor, who leads implementation.
  • Agency heads must issue necessary orders, prepare staff through training and orientation, and realign resources toward program priorities.
  • Department of Local Government assesses the readiness and willingness of mayors.
  • Local Government Executives are enjoined to fully cooperate and support the program.

Standing Committee Creation

  • A Standing Committee is created, chaired by the Presidential Adviser on Rural Development.
  • Includes senior representatives from the seventeen implementing agencies.
  • The Committee monitors and reports program implementation status to the Office of the President.

Functions of the Standing Committee

  • Identify LIMs for the initial phase.
  • Formulate detailed guidelines and timetables.
  • Submit initial and quarterly progress reports to the President and Cabinet.
  • Serve as a forum for resolving operational issues.
  • Provide technical advice and support to implementing agencies.
  • Perform other functions as assigned by the President.

Staff Support for the Standing Committee

  • Secretariat and technical services provided by the Office of the President.
  • Responsible for coordination with agencies, evaluation, reviewing, consolidating reports, and regular municipal visits.

Effectivity

  • The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing.
  • Signed by President Corazon C. Aquino on September 25, 1989, in Manila.

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