WHEREAS, the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum (APPF) is the premier and broadest parliamentary forum in the region, which serves as an avenue to discuss pressing issues of common concern, address common challenges, identify possible solutions and broaden areas of cooperation in the Asia Pacific;

WHEREAS, the APPF provides the parliamentary dimension to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation and a dialogue mechanism to strengthen regional cooperation;

WHEREAS, the Philippines, through the Senate and the House of Representatives, has accepted the hosting of the 31^st Annual Meeting of the APPF from 23 to 23 November 2023;

WHEREAS, the 31^st APPF Annual Meeting will provide an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our country's readiness to engage with the global community, and will provide an avenue to exhibit its support for multilateral efforts to achieve a peaceful, stable and prosperous community of nations in the Asia Pacific;

WHEREAS, to ensure the successful preparations and hosting of the 31^st Annual Meeting of the APPF, unequivocal support and assistance from the relevant national government agencies (NGAs) is warranted; and

WHEREAS, Section 17, Article VII of the Constitution vests in the President the power of control over all Executive departments, bureaus and offices;

NOW, THEREFORE, to ensure the successful preparations and hosting of the 31^st Annual Meeting of the APPF, the following are hereby ordered:

Section 1. Directive to NGAs. The Secretaries or Heads of the following NGAs are hereby directed to closely coordinate with, and assist the Congress in, the preparation for the hosting of the 31^st Annual Meeting of the APPF:

a. Department of Foreign Affairs;

b. Department of Justice;

c. Department of Transportation;

d. Department of Tourism;

e. Department of Finance;

f. Department of Health;

g. Department of Public Works and Highways;

h. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority; and

i. Philippine National Police.

Section 2. Support from Other Agencies. As may be necessary, Congress may enlist the support and assistance of other relevant departments, bureaus, offices, agencies or instrumentalities of the government, consistent with their respective mandates.

Section 3. Funding. The funds necessary for the implementation of this Circular may be sourced from available appropriations of the concerned agencies, subject to applicable budgeting, accounting and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

Section 4. Venues. The Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), as conference venues for the meetings and sessions of the 31st Annual Meeting, shall ensure availability of their grounds and facilities, and, shall undertake the necessary improvements thereof as may be suitable for the event.

Section 5. Effectivity. This Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 11^th of October, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Twenty-Three.

(SGD.) FERDINAND R. MARCOS, JR.

 

By  the President:

 

(SGD.) LUCAS P. BERSAMIN
Executive Secretary