WHEREAS, it is recognized that there is a need to enhance the application of productivity-enhancing systems in the business sector to make Philippine businesses more competitive in the global market in accordance with the Medium-Term National Action Agenda for Productivity, 2000-2004 formulated under the Estrada Administration;

WHEREAS, enhancement of knowledge of productivity-enhancing systems should be supported by inclusion of appropriate programs in the curricula of educational institutions and training programs in the country;

WHEREAS, it is also imperative to introduce students and trainees to quality and productivity concepts to foster academe-industry coordination in promoting competitiveness of Philippine enterprises;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution as President of the Republic of the Philippines, do hereby order and direct the following:

SECTION 1.       Integration of the Concepts of Quality and Productivity Improvement in all Applicable Subjects, Courses and Programs on Productivity and Quality in the Curricula of Educational and Training Institutions.

(a)     The Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the Commission on Higher Education shall formulate and implement policies for the integration of the concepts of quality and productivity improvement in all applicable subjects, courses and programs of all educational institutions in close coordination with the private sector and other concerned government agencies. These may include subjects/courses involving information technology which may be developed in close coordination with the private sector and other concerned agencies.

(b)     The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority shall formulate and implement policies for the integration of the concepts of quality improvement and productivity improvement in all applicable programs of all technical and vocational institutions.

(c)     The Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the Commission on Higher Education, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority shall submit annual reports to the President through the Philippine Council for Productivity (PCP) on the implementation of this directive.

SEC.2.    Funding . - Funding for this purpose shall come from the regular budget of the concerned agency subject to the appropriate rules and regulations.

SEC. 3.   Effectivity . - This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 13 March 2000

BY THE PRESIDENT:

(SGD.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary