Creating The Public-Private Sector Task Force On Philippine Competitiveness

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Executive Order No. 571

Creation of Public-Private Sector Task Force on Philippine Competitiveness
- A Public-Private Sector Task Force on Philippine Competitiveness is created, attached to the Office of the President. (Section 1)
- Its mandate is to promote and develop national competitiveness by implementing the Action Agenda for Competitiveness. (Section 2)

Composition of the Task Force
- The Task Force is composed of the Secretaries of Trade and Industry (Co-Chair), Finance, Transportation and Communications, Education, the Director General of NEDA, three representatives from the business sector (one as Co-Chair), one representative from policy research institutions, and one representative from civil society. (Section 3)

Powers and Functions of the Task Force
- Coordinate, monitor, and assess implementation of the Action Agenda, and recommend adjustments as necessary. (Section 4a)
- Direct specific departments and agencies to address bottlenecks and problems constraining competitiveness, and require progress reports from concerned Secretaries. (Section 4b)
- Recommend proposed legislation to Congress that would contribute to national competitiveness. (Section 4c)
- Coordinate with Local Government Units (LGUs) for formulating standards and policies to ensure LGU plans and budgets support the Action Agenda. (Section 4d)
- Coordinate with concerned agencies for generating resources, both governmental and non-governmental, for the development and competitiveness of the Philippine economy as set by the Action Agenda. (Section 4e)
- Perform other necessary powers and functions as assigned by the President. (Section 4f)

Secretariat
- The Task Force shall organize a Secretariat managed by two Directors for Operations, one representing the public sector and the other representing the private sector (funded by the private sector). (Section 5)

Coordination
- The Task Force shall regularly coordinate with industry/trade associations, local and foreign chambers of commerce, and the Senior Advisor on International Competitiveness. (Section 6)

Funding
- The activities and operational expenses shall be funded jointly by budgetary appropriations from the government and private sector contributions. (Section 7)
- An initial allocation of Ten Million Pesos (P10,000,000.00) shall come from the Department of Trade and Industry funds. (Section 7)
- The private sector shall fund its own participation in the Task Force's work. (Section 7)
- Donations for the operations shall be received, accounted for, and disbursed in accordance with pertinent laws and regulations. (Section 7)