EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 27 - AUTHORIZING THE PHILIPPINE PORTS AUTHORITY TO IMPLEMENT PRO-POOR PROGRAMS WITHIN THE PORT COMMUNITIES NATIONWIDE

WHEREAS, the port is not only a beehive of trade and commercial activities in shipping and various port-related businesses but is also a major source of livelihood and gainful employment for the poor and marginalized sector of our society;  

WHEREAS, portworkers and all those dependent on the various business activities in the port for their livelihood and daily sustenance have been recognized as a vital component in the provision of port services;

WHEREAS, the same portworkers have remained poor and marginalized;

WHEREAS, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is the major government agency in the port that regulates the various commercial activities therein and from which it derives its main source of revenues and income;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Administration to provide proper assistance to the poor and marginalized sector of our society, including those living in the port communities nationwide; 

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:

1. The Philippine Ports Authority is hereby authorized to include as part of its regular plans and program, such pro-poor and social amelioration projects, programs and activities, which beside being gender-related, are also intended to uplift and improve the skills and livelihood of the poor and marginalized members of the port communities nationwide.

2. The allocation for said pro-poor and social amelioration projects, programs and activities shall form part of the regular yearly budget for Gender and Development (GAD) Program of PPA. Said budget shall not be subject to the restrictions imposed by Administrative Order No. 5, dated 28 February 2001, nor be reduced or limited by the Department of Budget and Management, provided the same is within the limits set by Republic Act No. 7192.

3. For CY 2001, the PPA, through its Board of Directors, is hereby directed to approve a supplemental budget for the initial pro-poor and social amelioration projects, program and activities for the year.

4. The PPA General Manager shall issue appropriate implementing guidelines to implement this Order.

5. This Order shall be effective for a period of three (3) years and shall take effect upon its issuance.