PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the reorganization of the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines (TCCP) to ensure the strategic and efficient implementation of technical cooperation programs aligned with national priorities and emerging global trends.
Under Executive Order (EO) 115 signed on April 29, Marcos designated the secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as chairman of the TCCP, with the secretary of the Department of Economy, Planning and Development as vice chairman.
The secretaries of the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Health, Department of Migrant Workers, and the director-general of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority were named as members of the council.
The president said that “evolving global developments present opportunities for the Philippines to expand participation in international development cooperation while advancing foreign policy priorities and national development objectives.”
“The TCCP is hereby directed to implement a national strategic Philippine Technical Cooperation Program to be known as the Development Philippines, which shall serve as the government’s framework for providing technical assistance to developing countries while advancing the Philippines’ development goals and strategic interests,” Marcos said in his order.
“The TCCP shall coordinate all technical cooperation projects and activities of government agencies,” he added.
Established through EO 17 in 1992, the TCCP serves as the national focal point for Technical Cooperation among Developing Countries.
It coordinates international seminars, study visits and exchange programs designed to support socio-economic development and strengthen the Philippines’ international relations.
Under EO 115, the TCCP may engage other government agencies, instrumentalities and private sector entities as may be necessary to carry out its mandate.
The TCCP was tasked to provide overall policy direction for the Philippine Technical Cooperation Program; approve the Philippine Technical Cooperation Roadmap and Program; ensure alignment of technical cooperation initiatives with national development priorities and foreign policy objectives; facilitate interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement; and perform such other functions as may be necessary or incidental to its mandate.
The president also formed a technical working group (TWG) to provide technical and policy support to the TCCP.
The TWG shall be composed of representatives from member agencies, with the rank of director or equivalent, who shall serve as focal persons for technical cooperation initiatives within respective agencies.
The DFA shall serve as chairman of the TWG, which shall act as implementing arm of the TCCP.
The TWG was directed to formulate the Philippine Technical Cooperation Roadmap and Program for endorsement to the TCCP; conduct regular meetings to monitor the implementation of the Philippine Technical Cooperation Roadmap and Program; initiate periodic review and updating of the Philippine Technical Cooperation Roadmap and Program; and perform such other functions as may be necessary to support its mandate.
Meanwhile, EO 115 said that all assets, liabilities and personnel of the TCCP Secretariat were hereby transferred to the DFA.
EO 115, which was made public on Wednesday, shall take effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
