ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 90 - DIRECTING THE SECRETARY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO ORGANIZE AND SUPERVISE THE HOSTING OF THE 2004 FORUM FOR EAST ASIA-LATIN AMERICA COOPERATION (FEALAC) MEETINGS

WHEREAS, the Philippines, committed to the continued development of closer and meaningful cooperation between East Asia and Latin America, has joined the Forum for East Asia — Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC), which to date is composed of 30 countries, 15 from East Asia — Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam — and 15 from Latin America — Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela;  

WHEREAS, the Philippines, as a founding member of FEALAC has actively participated in the activities of FEALAC and is currently the Regional Co-coordinator for East Asia;

WHEREAS, the Philippines will host the FEALAC Sixth Senior Officials Meeting (SOM VI) and Second Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM II) to be scheduled in January 2004;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. The Secretary of Foreign Affairs shall organize and supervise the hosting of the 2004 Forum for East Asia-Latin America Cooperation (FEALAC) meetings. As such, the Secretary of Foreign Affairs is tasked to:

a. Formulate and recommend to the President a preliminary work plan and estimated budget for the proper hosting of the said meetings;

b. Implement the work plan once approved by the President and supervise and monitor all activities in relations thereto;

c. Negotiate and conclude agreements and contracts necessary for the attainment of the objectives of this Administrative Order, including contracts of services.