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October 17, 1997

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (hereinafter referred to as "Parties");

Inspired by a common desire to enhance the relations between their countries through cooperation in public health;

Conscious of the vital role of public health in the development of human resources and of the economy; and

Recognizing the benefits their peoples will derive from such cooperation;

HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS:

ARTICLE I

The Parties shall cooperate as far as possible in order to improve or ensure access by the people especially women and children, to adequate public health services, with particular emphasis on the area of primary health care.

ARTICLE II

The Parties shall undertake cooperation activities in the prevention, control, diagnosis, and treatment of communicable and non-communicable public health diseases and shall inform each other of the occurrence in epidemic proportions and other important developments regarding these diseases.

ARTICLE III

The Parties shall encourage and promote the exchange of experiences, studies and researches in the fields of public health, public health administration, and medical science.

ARTICLE IV

1. The Parties will undertake, subject to their respective and existing laws and regulations, cooperation programs aimed at upgrading the medical staff and facilities, including:

2. The sending of doctors, experts, and health professionals at the request of the other party under terms to be stipulated by specific agreements of contracts;

3. The sending of experts and health professionals at the request of the other party for participation in study courses in the public health institute(s) of the said party;

4. The promotion of exchange of doctors, experts, and health professionals for further studies in particular areas;

5. The promotion of exchanges of teaching methodologies and teaching aids; and

The enlargement of the pool of health workers and adoption of alternative mechanisms preferably community-based, to meet the growing demand for health.

ARTICLE V

The Parties will exchange documentaries, film programs, and other similar materials on public health issues, subject to their respective and existing copyright laws and regulations.

ARTICLE VI

The Parties will inform each other of conferences and international meetings on public health being held in their respective territories.

ARTICLE VII

As and when considered necessary, a Joint Committee may be established by the Parties for the fulfillment of the objectives of the present agreement and consisting of an equal number of representatives of the two Governments. The Joint Committee shall meet as agreed upon between the Parties alternately in Manila and Vientiane.

The Joint Committee will be responsible for reviewing periodically the working of the present Agreement, advising the Government concerned in formulating and recommending any item of interest to either Party in the fields envisaged in the present Agreement.

ARTICLE VIII

Any financial arrangement necessary to cover expenses for the implementation of the cooperative activities within the framework of this Agreement shall be agreed upon by the Parties in each individual case. The Parties shall consult to determine how these shall be met.

ARTICLE IX

This Agreement may be amended upon the mutual agreement between the Parties.

ARTICLE X

This Agreement shall enter into force on the date of the later notification by the Parties, through the diplomatic channels, indicating compliance with their respective internal legal requirements for its entry into force.

ARTICLE XI

This Agreement shall remain in force until terminated in writing by either Party, through the diplomatic channels, three (3) months prior to the intended date of termination.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the Parties have affixed their seals thereto.

Done at Vientiane on the 17th day of October 1997, in four original copies, two copies each in the English and Lao languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of divergence in interpretation, the English text shall prevail.