MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 160, February 03, 2005

[ MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 160, February 03, 2005 ]

DIRECTING THE GOVERNMENT AGENCIES CONCERNED TO ASSIST THE SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES IN THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE HOSTING OF THE INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION ASSEMBLY IN THE PHILIPPINES IN APRIL 2005

WHEREAS, the Philippine Congress, led by the Senate of the Philippines, will host the 112th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly and Related Meetings on April 3 to 8, 2005;

WHEREAS, the holding of said IPU will bring international prestige, publicity, goodwill, and economic benefit to the country;

WHEREAS, the hosting by the Philippines of the prestigious international event will positively project the country as a competitive tourist and convention destination, and will ultimately redound to more substantial economic benefits;

WHEREAS, it is essential for the executive department and other government agencies concerned to play a part in the preparations for the IPU Assembly;

NOW, THEREFORE I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me be law, do hereby order:

SECTION 1. The Department Secretaries/Heads of the following government agencies are hereby directed to closely coordinate with and assist the Senate of the Philippines in the preparations for the hosting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU)Assembly to ensure the successful conduct of the same:

Department of Tourism

Department of Budget and Management

Department of the Interior and Local Government

Department of Transportation and Communication

Department of Public Works and Highways

Office of the Press Secretary

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

Philippine National Police

Manila International Airport Authority

Philippine International Convention Center

Cultural Center of the Philippines

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office

Philippine National Construction Corporation

Philippine Reclamation Authority

SEC. 2. The agencies above mentioned shall assist the Senate of the Philippines to ensure that all the requirements for the event are attended to and that the economic advantages of the event are maximized through a concerted and cost effective country team approach.

Other departments, bureaus or offices of the Government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, may be called upon to render assistance as the Senate of the Philippines may need in the preparations for the hosting of this event.

The funds needed by the above mentioned agencies or officers thereof to assist in the preparations for the IPU Assembly shall be taken from the respective budgets of the agencies concerned.

SEC. 3. As the main venue for the sessions and other activities of the IPU Assembly, the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) shall undertake the necessary rehabilitation and improvement of the PICC facilities.

SEC. 4. The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) is likewise hereby directed to undertake all necessary cleaning and beautification activities to prepare the grounds and buildings of the CCP Complex, being the principal site of activities for the IPU Assembly and Related Meetings.

SEC. 5. This Memorandum Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 3rd day of February, in the year of Our Lord Two Thousand and Five.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA

Executive Secretary