Office of the President

of the Philippines

Malacañang

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 57

DIRECTING ALL DEPARTMENT SECRETARIES AND HEADS OF AGENCIES, BUREAUS, OR OFFICES OF THE GOVERNMENT, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT-OWNED AND -CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS, AND AUTHORIZING AND ENCOURAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, TO MOBILIZE THEIR RESPECTIVE OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES IN THE RELIEF AND REHABILITATION EFFORTS IN RESPONSE TO THE CALAMITY ARISING FROM TYPHOON YOLANDA

WHEREAS, Typhoon Yolanda (international codename: Haiyan) caused widespread destruction, substantial damage and death in several areas, including Samar, Leyte, Negros, Cebu, Bohol, Capiz, Aklan, Antique, Iloilo and Palawan (collectively, the “Affected Localities”);

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to conduct immediate intensive, massive and effective relief and rehabilitation efforts to help the populations in the Affected Localities;

WHEREAS, the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 6713, or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, provide that government employees may render free voluntary service for humanitarian purposes; and

WHEREAS, under the Constitution, the President shall have control over all departments, bureaus, and agencies under the Executive Branch, as well as supervision over local government units (LGUs).

NOW, THEREFORE, all Department Secretaries and Heads of Agencies, Bureaus, or Offices of the Government, including Government-Owned and -Controlled Corporations (GOCCs), are directed, and all Heads of LGUs are authorized and encouraged, to mobilize their respective officials and employees to assist in the relief and rehabilitation efforts.

The Heads of Executive Departments, GOCCs and LGUs are accorded the discretion to exempt their officials and employees, who are part of such effort, from observing normal office hours and/or from performing their regular duties, as well as to determine the duration and extent of participation of their officials and employees.

The Heads of Executive Departments, GOCCs and LGUs shall ensure that the participation of their officials and employees shall not prejudice the normal and efficient delivery of government services, and shall not result in additional cost to the Government.

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 15th day of November, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Thirteen.

By Authority of the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.
Executive Secretary