President Arroyo has allocated P3 million to fund initiatives to be carried out by the newly-formed Secretariat of the Special National Public-Private Reconstruction Commission that is expected to address the damages brought about by typhoons as well as to attract humanitarian assistance to fund the government’s rehabilitation efforts.

The President issued Administrative Order No. 271 providing for the composition and additional functions of the commission created under Executive Order No. 838 and establishing its Secretariat.

Mrs. Arroyo appointed Ricardo Saludo as head of the Secretariat, which will act as the technical and administrative arm of the commission.

In his capacity as chairman of the Secretariat, he will act as spokesperson and represent the commission in discussions and activities with the private sector reconstruction body.

The AO which was signed on November 9 provides that the allocation shall be reimbursed from the calamity fund to be enacted by Congress or other disaster recovery and reconstruction funds to be raised by the commission.

The body is directed to compile and maintain a database of reports on the sourcing and disbursement of funds and implementation of reconstruction projects and other disaster recovery undertakings.

It is also expected to coordinate with public officials and entities, local government units and leaders, private sector groups and key figures both from foreign entities and international organizations and other parties whose support, input and participation is needed by the commission. (Charissa M. Luci)