Creating The Office Of Islamic Affairs In The Department Of Foreign Affairs, Defining Its Functions And Appropriating Funds Therefor

MALACAÑANG
M a n i l a

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE No. 975 August 9, 1976

CREATING THE OFFICE OF ISLAMIC AFFAIRS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS, DEFINING ITS FUNCTIONS AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

WHEREAS, under the Constitution of the Philippines, it is declared policy of the State "to adhere to the policy of peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all nations"; "to preserve Filipino culture for the development of national identity", and, "that customs, traditions, beliefs, and interests of national cultural communities shall be considered in the formulation and implementation of State policies";

WHEREAS, in the pursuit of these policies, the Philippine Government has established diplomatic relations and maintains close ties of friendship and cooperation with member-states of the Islamic Conference and other nations in the world;

WHEREAS, there still is a need to strengthen further political, economic, cultural, social and technical cooperation with Islamic States only bilaterally but on a broader multilateral scale;

WHEREAS, there is a need to undertake a unified and sustained Government action to minimize cooperation with...

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Presidential Decree No. 975

Creation of the Office of Islamic Affairs
- An Office of Islamic Affairs is created in the Department of Foreign Affairs, headed by an Assistant Secretary. (Section 1)

Functions of the Office of Islamic Affairs:
- Assist the Secretary of Foreign Affairs in formulating policies governing Philippine relations with Islamic states. (Section 2.1)
- Assist the Secretary in recommending measures relevant to the conduct of Philippine relations with Islamic states, designed to uplift the political, economic, social and cultural well-being of Muslim communities in the Philippines, particularly in relation to the implementation of national policies in Regions IX and XII. (Section 2.2)
- Assist the Secretary in cultural projects with Islamic states designed to preserve the Islamic cultural heritage of the Philippines. (Section 2.3)
- Assist the Secretary in monitoring and coordinating the projects and utilization of funds of the Relief and Welfare Agency and other similar agencies. (Section 2.4)
- Assist the Secretary in negotiations with Islamic states for obtaining scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other forms of educational and financial assistance. (Section 2.5)
- Recommend to the Secretary the sending of missions to Islamic countries for the promotion of goodwill and to strengthen cooperation in various forums and conferences. (Section 2.6)

Personnel and Appropriation:
- The Secretary of Foreign Affairs shall appoint personnel necessary for the efficient and effective operations of the Office of Islamic Affairs, considering the specialized and technical expertise required. (Section 3)
- Funds for the initial operations of the Office of Islamic Affairs are appropriated from the General Fund, and subsequent appropriations shall be provided in the budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs. (Section 4)

Repealing Clause and Effectivity:
- Provisions of laws, decrees, executive orders, administrative orders, rules and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are amended or modified accordingly. (Section 5)
- This Decree shall take effect immediately. (Section 6)