Creating the Central Visayas Urban and Rural Projects Office and Providing Funds Therefor

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 694

Creation of the Central Visayas Urban and Rural Projects Office
- An office under the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is created to undertake the detailed preparation and development of the Regional Development Investment Program (RDIP) for Central Visayas (Region VII). (Section 1)

Functions of the Office
- Conduct detailed preparation of urban and rural projects identified under the RDIP in accordance with NEDA guidelines and standards acceptable by external financing institutions. (Section 2a)
- Recommend to the NEDA Director-General for approval the projects found feasible for external financing. (Section 2b)
- Upgrade the capabilities for project preparation of technical personnel of local governments and regional line agencies involved in project preparation and development activities within the region. (Section 2c)
- Recommend appropriate measures and mechanisms for effective implementation of RDIP projects in Central Visayas. (Section 2d)
- Submit periodic progress reports and special reports to NEDA and the Regional Development Council. (Section 2e)
- Perform other related functions necessary for effective implementation of the RDIP. (Section 2f)

Project Director
- The Office shall be headed by a Project Director appointed by and responsible to the NEDA Director-General. (Section 3)
- The Project Director's powers and functions include:
- Direct and supervise the detailed preparation of urban and rural projects identified under the RDIP for Central Visayas. (Section 3a)
- Recommend to the NEDA Director-General the organizational setup, staffing requirements, and annual budget of the Office. (Section 3b)
- Manage the Office and adopt administrative rules and procedures for its internal operation and management. (Section 3c)
- Recommend to the NEDA Director-General the hiring of contractual personnel, consultants, experts, and other professionals, and fix their compensation and allowances in accordance with existing laws and regulations. (Section 3d)
- Disburse and administer the funds of the Office based on the approved budget and in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations. (Section 3e)
- Enter into contracts with private or public entities in connection with the functions of the Office, subject to the approval of the NEDA Director-General. (Section 3f)
- Perform other functions necessary to ensure efficient and effective implementation of the Office. (Section 3g)

Detail of Personnel
- The Project Director may, subject to the approval of the NEDA Director-General, call on the services of technical experts and professionals from all branches of government as needed by the Office. (Section 4)
- The Project Director is authorized to reimburse detailed personnel for actual representation and/or transportation expenses incurred in connection with the performance of their duties at rates approved by the NEDA Director-General, subject to applicable accounting and auditing rules and regulations. (Section 4)

Creation of Committees
- The NEDA Director-General is authorized to create inter-agency committees and advisory bodies as necessary to facilitate the completion of detailed engineering and feasibility studies and other project preparation and development activities of the Office. (Section 5)

Assistance from Government Agencies and Private Sector
- The Office is authorized to call upon any ministry, government-owned or controlled corporation or instrumentality of the government, and private sector agency/entity for any assistance required to ensure the accomplishment of its tasks. (Section 6)

Appropriation
- THREE MILLION SIX HUNDRED THOUSAND PESOS (P3,600,000.00) is authorized to be released from the Regional Development Fund and the Project Feasibility Fund for the operation of the Office for the year 1981. (Section 7)
- For succeeding fiscal years and until the completion of the project preparation activities of the Office, its budgetary requirements shall be provided for in the General Appropriations Act of the Government in adequate amounts. (Section 7)

Effectivity
- This Order shall take effect immediately. (Section 8)