EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 234, August 29, 2003

CREATING THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER ON OVERSEAS FILIPINO COMMUNITIES AND DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUCNTIONS

WHEREAS, the government recognizes the primordial importance of Overseas Filipino Communities (OFCs) in the development and growth of our country;

WHEREAS, it is desirable that the President of the Philippines provide OFCs and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with liaison, protection, support and assistance to enhance their welfare and the well-being of their families, here and abroad, in order to keep them integral parts of the country's body politic, growth and modernization;

WHEREAS, Section 31, Chapter 20, Title III, Book II of Executive Order No. 292, series of 1987, otherwise known as the Administrative Code of 1987, vests upon the President the continuing authority to recognize the administrative structure of the Office of the President.

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 the following:

Section 1. Creation of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Communities. There is hereby created the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Communities (OPAOFC), which shall provide the President with policy recommendations and courses of action to enhance, assist and protect the interest and welfare of OFCs and OFWs.

Section 2. Organizational Set-up and Staff Complement. The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Communities shall be under the Office of the President, to be headed by the Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Communities. He shall report and be directly responsible to the President. He shall be assisted by an administrative staff to discharge his functions.

Section 3. Implementing Authority. The PAOFC is hereby authorized to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Executive Order.

Section 4. Funding Support. The funds for necessary expenses for operation of the OPAOFC shall come from available funds of the national budget, in consultation with the Department of Budget and Management, subject to existing budgetary rules and regulations.

Section 5.   Effectivity. This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 29th day of August, in the year of our Lord, two thousand and three.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO

Executive Secretary