MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 102, May 16, 2002 ]
CREATING THE OFFICE FOR OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE ABSORPTION
WHEREAS, the capacity of the Philippines to absorb official development assistance (hereafter referred to as “ODA”) has improved, yet there is still a need to improve the rate of ODA fund availment and there are still numerous problems in the implementation of ODA-funded projects and programs (hereafter referred to as “ODA implementation problems”);
WHEREAS, the causes of ODA implementation problems include budgetary constraints in providing counterpart funding; changes in project design and cost; problems in procurement, right-of-way acquisition, disbursement and liquidation, project management, social acceptability, environmental clearances, and peace and order; as well as bureaucratic inertia;
WHEREAS, while implementing agencies are primarily responsible for ODA absorption and implementation of ODA-funded projects and programs, there is a need to identify and solve ODA implementation problems (either systemic or project-specific);
WHEREAS, under Section 31, Book III of the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the continuing authority to reorganize the administrative structure of the Office of the President;
NOW THEREFORE I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law do hereby order:
Section 1. Creation and Mandate. – The Office for Official Development Assistance Absorption (hereafter referred to as the “ODA Absorption Office”), to be headed by the Presidential Adviser on ODA Absorption, is hereby created under the Office of the President. The ODA Absorption Office is mandated to identify and develop solutions to systemic or project-specific problems in ODA implementation. In fulfillment of this mandate, the functions of the ODA Absorption Office shall be facilitative and problem-solving in nature.
Section 2. Duties and Functions. – The ODA Absorption Office shall have the following duties and functions:
a. To monitor the portfolio of ODA-funded projects and programs, specifically, those with ODA implementation problems;
b. To develop solutions to ODA implementation problems in coordination with implementing agencies, donor institutions, local government units, non-government organizations, people’s organizations, and affected communities, and to facilitate cooperation and execution by concerned agencies and entities;
c. Whenever necessary, to bring to the attention of the President and Cabinet members such ODA implementation problems that require high-level intervention or decision;
d. To identify and develop solutions to systemic and project-specific problems in ODA absorption;
e. To report to the President and the Cabinet, as required, on the status of the ODA portfolio and specific ODA-funded projects and programs;
f. To perform other functions that may be assigned by the President.
Section 3. Inter-Agency Relationships. – (a) The ODA Absorption Office shall be represented in meetings with donor institutions and government agencies regarding the implementation of ODA-funded projects and programs.
(b) The ODA Absorption Office shall have access to the monitoring system and output of NEDA, the National Project Monitoring Committee (NPMC) and Regional Project Monitoring Committees (RPMCs) of the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System (RPMES), on ODA funded projects and programs. The ODA Absorption Office may obtain information on ODA-funded projects and programs from other government agencies for the purpose of enhancing its capacity for problem-identification and solution.
(c) In the fulfillment of its mandate, the ODA Absorption Office shall observe and respect the responsibility and accountability of implementing agencies and project implementation officers in order to preserve the institutional integrity of existing government agencies and entities.
(d) The NEDA Deputy Director-General for Central Support Office shall assist in the establishment of effective liaison between and among NEDA, implementing agencies and the ODA Absorption Office.
Section 4. Organization and Budget. – The ODA Absorption Office shall submit to the Department of Budget and Management, for recommendation to and approval by the President, an organizational structure and staffing pattern which shall enable it to effectively discharge its duties and functions.
Funding for the initial operations of the ODA Absorption Office shall be provided by the Office of the President. Appropriations for the succeeding years shall be included in the budget proposal for the Office of the President.
Section 5. Repealing Clause. – All executive issuances, orders, rules and regulations, or any part thereof, which are inconsistent with any provision of this Executive Order are hereby revoked, amended or modified accordingly.
Section 6. Effectivity. – This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.1awp++i1
City of Manila, May 16, 2002.
(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
By the President:
(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary
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