WHEREAS, it is imperative to sustain the gains which the Philippine tourism industry has achieved so far and strengthen the country ™s competitiveness in the world market;

WHEREAS, the establishment of an international lantern parade showcasing the diversity and ingenuity of both local and foreign culture and artistry, will be an effective marketing stratagem which will enhance the promotability of the Philippines as a major tourist destination;

WHEREAS, the holding of the lantern parade as a grand Christmas presentation will merit international attention and recognition and will boost the growth of the tourism industry;

WHEREAS, the attainment of this objective necessitates the active participation, cooperation and involvement of various groups from the local and international communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby establish an annual tourism event henceforth to be known as the œPHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL LANTERN PARADE  which shall be international in scope and character and held every 2nd Sunday of December.

SECTION 1. Creation of a Philippine Organizing Committee. A Philippine Organizing Committee (POC) is hereby constituted as follows:

Department of Tourism	- Chairman and Over-all Coordinator
NCR Cabinet Officer for Regional Development	- Vice-Chairman
Department of Foreign Affairs	- Member
Department of Finance (Bureau of Customs)	- Member
Department of Justice (Bureau of Immigration and Deportation)	- Member
Department of the Interior and Local Government	- Member
Department of Trade and Industry	- Member
Department of Education, Culture and Sports	- Member
Office of the Press Secretary	- Member
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority	- Member

SEC. 2. Functions. The POC shall undertake all necessary plans for, and ensure implementation of, the successful holding of the 1997 Philippine International Lantern Parade. In relation thereto, the POC is authorized to engage the support and participation of the private sector whose services and/or resources are related and essential to the success of the event.

SEC. 3. Support from Other Government Agencies. All the aforementioned offices as well as other government departments and agencies, including government owned and controlled corporations, whose assistance may be sought by the POC, are hereby directed to extend their full support and resources to ensure the success of this undertaking.

SEC. 4. Funding. The DOT is authorized to source funds to cover expenses necessary for the operations of the POC, its secretariat, working groups and advisory boards which it may hereafter establish, from its trust liability account as well as from sponsorships, donations, grants, contributions and other forms of assistance that the event may generate.

SEC. 5. Accounting of Money Received. The POC is authorized to open appropriate accounts and deposit its funds with a government bank which fund shall be disbursed in accordance with existing accounting rules and auditing regulations. For this purpose, the POC Chairman shall be the principal signatory and the POC Vice Chairman as the co-signatory, without prejudice to the designation by the POC of such other signatories as may be required under the circumstances.

SEC. 6. Coordinating Agencies. The DOT, through its duly authorized representative(s), shall coordinate the initial and effective implementation of this order.

This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 24th day of October, in the year of Our Lord, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Seven.

(Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
President of the Philippines

By the President:
(Sgd.) RUBEN D. TORRES
Executive Secretary