Subject: Authorizing the Hosting of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Protection and Management of Coastal Areas of the East Asian Region and the First Asian Ministerial Meeting on the Environment

Case Overview and Summary

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 681

Authorizing the Hosting of the Intergovernmental Meeting on the Protection and Management of Coastal Areas of the East Asian Region and the First Asian Ministerial Meeting on the Environment

- Recognizes the need for involvement and participation of agencies and sectors in implementing the government's environmental program, especially with respect to policies formulated and implemented. (Preamble)
- Recognizes environmental management thrusts, especially international and regional coordinative programs. (Preamble)
- Recognizes the need to maintain a high quality for the environment, including the living resources of the East Asian Region, in the overall context of development. (Preamble)
- Recognizes the leadership of the Philippines in its ability to organize and host international conferences/meetings, as recognized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. (Preamble)

Provisions:

- The Executive Director of the National Environmental Protection Council, Ministry of Human Settlements, and the duly authorized representative of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs shall constitute a preparatory committee and coordinate in the successful staging of the two meetings. (Section 1)
- The above-mentioned officials shall organize working and technical committees to attend to the various requirements of the meetings, enlisting the support of officials and leaders from other government offices and the private sector. (Section 2)
- A secretariat primarily staffed by the National Environmental Protection Council, Ministry of Human Settlements, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall be immediately activated to serve as support staff to the preparatory committee. (Section 3)
- The following government agencies shall assist in their respective areas of competence:
    a) The Minister of the Budget shall facilitate the release of up to Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (P250,000.00) provided under Section 1 (Chapter XXXIV International Commitments Funds, KBI 2.1) of the 1981 National Budget based on the financial work program submitted by the preparatory committee. (Section 4a)
    b) The Minister of National Defense shall ensure the safety and well-being of delegates and visitors, which will include ASEAN Environment Ministers and UN officials. (Section 4b)
    c) The Ministry of Tourism shall assist in arranging welcome and departure honors for the delegates. (Section 4c)
    d) The Ministry of Public Information shall assist the preparatory committee in facilitating the media coverage of the Ministerial Meet. (Section 4d)