EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 126, September 16, 2002

RECOGNIZING THE ROLE OF THE PHILIPPINE SOUTHEAST ASIAN GAMES ORGANIZING COMMITTEE (PHILSOC) IN THE PREPARATION AND ORGANIZATION OF THE 23 RD SEA GAMES IN 2005

WHEREAS, the Council of the Southeast Asian Games Federation has awarded to the Philippines the right to host, and the Philippines has accepted the privilege of hosting, the 23rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2005;

WHEREAS, to ensure the success of this sporting event, there is a need for concerned government agencies, the different national sport associations (NSA) and the private sector to involve themselves, coordinate with and jointly support each in all preparatory and organization activities, including the training of our local entries;

WHEREAS, Republic Act No. 6847, otherwise known as the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Act, recognizes the traditional role of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), as the National Olympic Committee for the country, as the body primarily charged with undertaking activities pertaining to the country’s participation in Olympic Games, SEA Games and other international athletic competitions;

WHEREAS, the POC has entrusted the responsibility for the preparation of and organizing the 23rd SEA Games in 2005 to the Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHILSOC), a body mainly composed of representatives from the POC and the Government, whereas the PSC, in coordination with the POC and the various NSAs, is charged with the responsibility of training and preparing Filipino athletes participating in the SEA Games.

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. All concerned agencies and instrumentalities of the government shall work in coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee and the PHILSOC toward the efficient preparation, smooth organization and successful holding of the 23rd SEA Games in 2005.

Section 2. The Philippine Sports Commission, in cooperation with the Philippine Olympic Committee and all concerned National Sports Associations, shall coordinate and jointly support each other for the effective preparation of the Philippine Team and its successful participation in the 23rd SEA Games and all the preparatory and relevant competitions.

Section 3. All departments, bureaus, government agencies and instrumentalities, inclusive of local government units, are hereby directed to extend assistance and full support to the PHILSOC in its undertaking relative to the 2005 SEA Games.

Section 4. All government-owned and controlled corporations, concerned non-government organizations, the private business sector, educational institutions, social and sectoral groups and communities, and the general public are hereby encouraged to lend their cooperation and generous support for the success of the 2005 SEA Games.

Section 5. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 16th day of September, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Two.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary