Purpose of the National Quincentennial Committee (NQC)
- Established as the central coordinating body for government initiatives commemorating the 500th anniversary of the Philippines' role in the first circumnavigation of the world and the Battle of Mactan.
- Emphasizes a Filipino-centric narrative focusing on the heroism, magnanimity, and humanity of Filipino ancestors.
- Aims to promote local and national tourism, rekindle nationalism, inculcate community values, strengthen social cohesiveness, and foster Filipino creativity and innovation.
Composition and Structure of the National Quincentennial Committee
- Chairperson: Executive Secretary
- Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director: Chairperson, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP)
- Members include Secretaries of Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Budget and Management, Interior and Local Government, Public Works and Highways, Education, National Defense, Presidential Communications Operations Office; Chairperson of National Commission for Culture and the Arts; Presidential Adviser for the Visayas.
- The NHCP provides technical and administrative support through a Secretariat.
Functions of the Committee
- Conceptualize and implement programs across diplomatic, historical, cultural, academic, scientific, environmental, socio-civic, military, and infrastructural fields.
- Coordinate and serve as clearing house for all 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations in the Philippines (QCP) activities and information dissemination.
- Establish sub-committees or working groups as necessary.
- Undertake fundraising activities subject to applicable laws and regulations.
- Collaborate with government agencies, private individuals, organizations, and international entities.
- Perform other functions as directed by the President.
Powers and Functions of the Vice Chairperson and Executive Director
- Coordinate and monitor project implementation.
- Represent the Committee in meetings as authorized.
- Supervise Secretariat to ensure administrative support to the Committee and subcommittees.
- Undertake additional functions assigned by the Committee.
Principles Governing the 2021 Quincentennial Commemorations
- Filipino-centric: All activities reflect Filipino viewpoints, highlight cultural heritage, emphasize unity, magnanimity, and sovereignty.
- Multidisciplinary: Engage scholars from diverse academic and professional fields to advance historical understanding and promote research.
- Communicative and Transformative: Increase historical knowledge through traditional and new media; promote restoration and conservation of related historic sites.
- The Committee is tasked with developing a logo/branding reflecting Lapulapu's heroism and the 500th anniversary commemoration.
Funding
- Initial funds from NHCP and Contingent Fund compliant with existing budgeting and auditing rules.
- Subsequent funding integrated into the NHCP’s regular budget proposal process.
Duration and Dissolution
- Committee dissolves upon completion of liquidation and turnover of documents and properties to NHCP or twelve months after December 31, 2021, whichever comes first.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause ensures unaffected provisions remain valid if any part is declared unconstitutional.
- Repeal clause modifies or repeals inconsistent orders, except for unaffected provisions of EO No. 55.
Effectivity
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon signing by the President.