EO 115: The Development Philippines Technical Cooperation Program
Legal question
What is the Development Philippines program, and which agency now leads Philippine technical cooperation?
Applicable laws and rules to discuss
- Executive Order No. 115, establishing the Development Philippines Program
- Executive Order No. 17 (s. 1992), creating the TCCP, as amended
- Republic Act No. 12314, the FY 2026 General Appropriations Act (Sections 98 and 99, General Provisions)
- Section 17, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution
Why this matters
The Philippines is better known as a recipient of development aid than as a provider of it. EO 115 formalizes the other direction: a standing national framework, branded "Development Philippines," for supplying Philippine technical assistance to other developing countries while advancing the country's own foreign policy and development goals.
Who runs it now
The reorganized TCCP is chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs, with the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development as Vice Chairperson. Members are the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, Health, and Migrant Workers, plus TESDA. Critically, the TCCP Secretariat is fully integrated into the DFA, with its assets, liabilities, and personnel transferred there.
The legal basis for the reorganization
Beyond the President's constitutional control over the executive branch, the Order expressly invokes Sections 98 and 99 of the General Provisions of RA 12314 (the FY 2026 GAA), which authorize the President to approve organizational and staffing modifications, including creating, modifying, and abolishing offices under the executive branch. EO 17 (s. 1992) is amended accordingly.
How it operates
A Technical Working Group chaired by DFA, composed of Director-level focal persons from member agencies, acts as the implementing arm: it formulates the Philippine Technical Cooperation Roadmap and Program for the TCCP's approval, monitors implementation, and reviews it periodically. The Secretariat maintains the database of ongoing and completed initiatives and reports to the Council.
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