WHEREAS, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of Belgium under the Specific Agreement dated 22 May 1996, agreed to cooperate in the implementation of the Project “Solar Electrification of Remote Areas on Pangan-an Island, Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu”, hereinafter referred to as the ‘PROJECT”;

WHEREAS, the PROJECT consists of the supply, installation, and start-up of photovoltaic equipment in order to provide electricity to Pangan-an Island, Lapu-Lapu City , Cebu where the PROJECT and its site are considered as a test and showcase for further policy making in this field;

WHEREAS, Article V, Project Organization of the said Agreement state that “the role of overall supervision will be assumed jointly by the Belgian Administration for Development Cooperation (BADC) on the Belgian side and by the Department of Energy-Non-Conventional Energy Division (DOE-NCED) on the Philippine side”;

WHEREAS, the NCED, considering its location, is having difficulty in responding in a timely manner, to the PROJECT’s needs and demands;

WHEREAS, the VFO, which is based in Cebu City, is tasked, among others, to oversee DOE programs, projects and activities implemented in the Visayas region;

WHEREAS, the VFO has been extending technical, administrative and logistical assistance in the implementation of this PROJECT;

WHEREAS, under Section 40, Chapter 8, Book IV of the Administrative Code of 1987, the Secretary has authority over and responsibility for the operation of the Department and that he can delegate such authority to the Bureau or field office concerned as may be necessary to implement formulated plans and programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Mario V. Tiaoqui, Secretary of Energy, do hereby order the following:

SECTION 1. Transfer of Responsibilities and/or Obligations — The following responsibilities and/or obligations of the NCED are hereby transferred to VFO, viz:

a. Supervise and monitor the implementation of the PROJECT in order to guarantee the optimal utilization of the Belgian and Philippine contributions;

b. Facilitate the execution of the PROJECT and its sustain-ability and continuity at the end of the Belgian contribution;

c. Transfer or convey ownership of the facilities of the PROJECT to the Pangan-an Cooperative for Community Development, as soon as this Cooperative has been fully trained and has proven its reliability and management capabilities; and

d. Furnish NCED a monthly report on the PROJECT’s status and developments as well as any recommendations relative thereto.

SECTION 2. Role of NCED in the PROJECT — The NCED shall coordinate with the central agencies in Metro Manila relative to the implementation of the PROJECT. It shall also submit a monthly or quarterly report on the status of the implementation of the PROJECT to DOE line units and concerned government agencies and organizations.

SECTION 3. Funds — The funds necessary for the implementation of this Order shall be sourced for the 1998 funds allocated to NCED for the PROJECT. Thereafter, such funds as may be required for the continued implementation of this Order shall be requested by VFO.

SECTION 4. Effectivity — This Department Order shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 30 July 1998


(SGD.) MARIO V. TIAOQUI
Secretary