Preparations for the Hosting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in the Philippines

February 3, 2005

MEMORANDUM ORDER NO. 160

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; ICDcEA

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;2005iatdc

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 Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by 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:

a. Department of Tourism

b. Department of Budget and Management

c. Department of the Interior and Local Government

d. Department of Transportation and Communications

e. Department of Public Works and Highways

f. Office of the Press Secretary

g. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

h. Philippine National Police

i. Manila International Airport Authority

j. Philippine International Convention Center

k. Cultural Center of the Philippines

l. Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation

m. Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office TCaEIc

n. Philippine National Construction Corporation

o. Philippine Reclamation Authority

SECTION 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 abovementioned agencies or officers thereof to assist in the preparations for the IPU Assembly shall be taken from the respective budgets of the agencies concerned.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 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.