By Luisa Cabato, May 13, 2026; Philippine Daily Inquirer
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2227968/marcos-signs-order-on-strategic-framework-for-ph-development
Manila, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 115 ordering the implementation of a national strategic framework to advance the Philippines’ development priorities and agenda.
EO 115, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on April 29, directs the Technical Cooperation Council of the Philippines (TCCP) to implement the Philippine Technical Cooperation Program, known as “Development Philippines.”
This program will serve as the government’s blueprint for delivering technical assistance to developing countries while also advancing the Philippines’ development goals and strategic interests, the EO said.
Additionally, the TCCP will coordinate all technical cooperation projects and activities of government agencies, provide policy direction for the Philippine Technical Cooperation Program, and ensure the alignment of technical cooperation initiatives with the country’s development priorities and foreign policy objectives.
Under EO 115, the council was reorganized, with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) serving as chair and the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development as vice chair.
Its members include the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Health, the Department of Migrant Workers, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, but the TCCP is also allowed to tap other government agencies and entities as necessary to fulfill its mandate.
Furthermore, member agencies may appoint alternates with ranks not lower than Assistant Secretary to act on their behalf.
A Technical Working Group (TWG), composed of Director-level representatives from member agencies, is established to provide technical and policy support to the TCCP, according to the EO.
The group will formulate the Philippine Technical Cooperation Roadmap and Program for endorsement to the TCCP, and monitor and review its implementation. EO 115 also ordered full integration of the TCCP Secretariat into the DFA to provide technical, administrative, and other needed support.
The initial implementation of EO 115 shall be charged from the current and available appropriations of the DFA and other concerned agencies and from other sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management.
Thereafter, funding shall be included in the budget proposals of the DFA and concerned agencies, subject to the usual budget preparation process.
EO 115 will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
