Implementing The Samar Integrated Rural Development Project, Providing Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Presidential Decree No. 1048

Declaration of Policy (Section 1):
- Declares the Samar Integrated Rural Development Project as an integrated rural development project under the Cabinet Coordinating Committee on Integrated Rural Development Projects.
- Adopts policies to integrate national and local government programs and decentralize planning and implementation.

Cabinet Coordinator for the Project (Section 2):
- The Secretary of Local Governments and Community Development is the Cabinet Committee Coordinator.
- Powers and functions include:
• Oversee coordination, planning, and implementation of the project.
• Review and recommend approval of plans, budgets, and work programs. (Section 2b)
• Arrange and negotiate funding with local and foreign institutions. (Section 2c)
• Approve budget releases for implementing agencies based on approved plans. (Section 2d)
• Appoint the Project Director. (Section 2e)
• Bring urgent matters to the Cabinet Committee. (Section 2f)

Samar Integrated Rural Development Project Office and Field Offices (Section 3):
- Creates the Samar Integrated Rural Development Project Office under the Cabinet Committee.
- Headed by a Project Director with technical and management staff.
- Samar Field Offices for Northern, Eastern, and Western Samar provinces.
- Each Field Office headed by a Project Officer with staff.

Project Director Appointment, Qualifications, and Compensation (Section 4):
- Appointed by the Cabinet Committee Coordinator.
- Serves until the Project Office is dissolved, unless removed for cause.
- Qualifications: natural-born Filipino citizen, of legal age, proven executive competence.
- Compensation fixed by the Cabinet Coordinating Committee.

Powers and Functions of the Project Director (Section 5):
• Coordinate activities of implementing departments and agencies. (Section 5a)
• Monitor progress and evaluate effects of project execution. (Section 5b)
• Submit periodic financial and work accomplishment reports. (Section 5c)
• Approve and consolidate budget release requests. (Section 5d)
• Maintain records of equipment, services, and accounts. (Section 5e)
• Manage personnel of technical and management staff. (Section 5f)
• Promulgate administrative rules and procedures. (Section 5g)
• Call upon government agencies for assistance. (Section 5h)
• Receive grants and donations for the project. (Section 5i)
• Prepare feasibility studies for new projects. (Section 5j)
• Perform functions necessary for operational management. (Section 5k)

Staff Appointments (Section 6):
- The Project Director appoints other personnel based on approved staffing pattern.
- May employ personnel on a part-time basis.

Project Coordination Committee (Sections 7 and 8):
- Composed of Project Director, NEDA Region 8 Director, governors, Project Officers, and representatives from various departments.
- Functions include:
• Provide policies and guidelines for day-to-day operations. (Section 8a)
• Ensure plans conform with Region 8 development plan. (Section 8b)
• Resolve inter-agency coordination issues. (Section 8c)
• Perform other duties assigned by the Cabinet Committee. (Section 8d)

Implementing Departments and Agencies (Section 9):
- Responsible for executing assigned projects.
- Submit annual project plans, budgets, and work programs for approval.
- Submit financial and work plans for budget releases and periodic reports.

Expenditures and Disbursements (Section 10):
- Projects funded by foreign institutions are exempt from government bans and restrictions on purchases.

Exemption from Taxes (Section 11):
- Donations, contributions, and financial aid to the project are exempt from taxes and are tax-deductible.

Auditing System (Section 12):
- The Commission on Audit assigns an auditor to the project.
- The auditor submits a consolidated financial report within 60 days after each calendar year.

Appropriations (Section 13):
- ₱5,000,000 appropriated for the Samar Project Office and Field Offices.
- ₱2,000,000 appropriated for the Cabinet Coordinating Committee Secretariat.
- Subsequent budgetary requirements provided in the General Appropriations Act.