MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has created an inter-agency committee (IAC) tasked to oversee preparatory and organizing activities for the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) to be held in the country next year.
Under Administrative Order (AO) 9 inked by Marcos on Sept. 26, the Chief Executive stressed the need to ensure the Philippines’ successful preparation and hosting of the 2024 APMCDRR.
“The Philippines has accepted the hosting of the 10th session of the APMCDRR in 2024,” the AO 9 read. “The successful conduct of the 2024 APMCDRR requires the involvement, coordination and support of concerned government agencies and local government units (LGUs).”
AO 9 tasks the IAC to formulate and implement plans, programs and activities, as well as organize and manage the requirements for the hosting of the event.
The IAC is also mandated to submit periodic reports to the Office of the President, through the Office of the Executive Secretary, regarding developments of its preparations, and perform other functions necessary for the success of the event.
It may also call on other departments and agencies, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs), and invite concerned LGUs and representatives from the private sector, civil society organizations, volunteer groups, and the academe, as may be necessary.
AO 9 also authorizes the IAC to establish working committees, which may include other government agencies, with permanent representatives ranked not lower than an Assistant Secretary, and alternative representatives not lower than a Director.
The working committees may expand their membership to include other government agencies.
According to AO 9, the designated committee chair of each working committee will designate its own secretariat assisted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“The working committees will work closely with each other to ensure communication, coordination, and cooperation in the performance of their respective functions,” it said.
The IAC chairperson is directed to convene regular quarterly meetings and such other meetings as often as necessary, to ensure proper coordination relative to the hosting of the 2024 APMCDRR.
The working committees may also call for regular coordination meetings among the members to ensure the timely and efficient execution of their respective tasks.
AO 9 directs all government agencies, departments, bureaus, and offices, including GOCCs and government financial institutions, to assist and cooperate with the IAC to ensure the effective implementation of the objectives contained in the order.
The funds necessary for the initial year of implementation of AO 9 may be sourced from available appropriations of the DENR and other concerned government agencies and instrumentalities, subject to applicable budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations.
The funding requirements in the succeeding years will be included in the budget proposals of the aforementioned agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.
The IAC will be considered “functus officio (of no further official authority)” after Dec. 31, 2034, based on AO 9.
The IAC, through its Secretariat, is also mandated to submit to the OP and the Department of Budget and Management a final report within 45 days after the closing of the 2024 APMCDRR.
The report should include the expenses, accomplishments, and recommendations for future hosting of the APMCDRR.
The APMCDRR is the main regional platform for promoting the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction in the Asia-Pacific Region.
It also facilitates exchanges of experiences, sharing of good practices, and identification of challenges and opportunities in disaster risk reduction, as well as promoting political commitment, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing to reduce disaster risk and build resilience in the Asia-Pacific Region.
AO 9 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)
