Orlando S. Mercado 
Philippines


Secretary General, Eastern Regional Organization for Public Administration

Professor, National College of Public Administration and Governance

Expertise: Strategic Communication, Risk Communication in Disaster Management, Negotiations and Conflict Management, Environmental Protection, Public Health, Regional Security with Focus on the South China Sea 
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Credentials

Academics
PhD in Political Science (1997), University of the Philippines - Diliman

Masters of Arts in Communication (1983), University of the Philippines - Diliman

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1968), University of the Philippines - Manila

Relevant Work Experience
Ambassador (Permanent Representative to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Jakarta, Indonesia (2009-2010)

Secretary, Department of National Defense (1998-2001)

Senator, Senate of the Republic of the Philippines (1987-1998)

Chairman, National Parks Development Committee (1986-1987)

Assemblyman, Batasang Pambansa (National Assembly) (1984-1986)

Significant Contributions
Environment
  • Organized the “Green Coalition” – an alliance of government and non-government organizations dedicated to the environment (1990)
  • Principal Author and Sponsor of the Senate Bill 2033: “An act providing for a comprehensive air pollution control policy and for other purposes” (1997)
  • Initiated massive tree planting in military camps and reservations and apprehension of illegal loggers; and enabled military protection for people’s organizations that preserve the remaining forest cover in the country


Significant Contributions 
As Senator, among the measures he authored are:
  • Generics Drug and Medicines Act of 1988 (R.A. 6675)
  • An Act establishing provincial centres for Science and Technology (R.A. 6959)
  • Magna Carta for Disabled Persons (R.A. 7277)
  • Consumer Act of the Philippines (R.A. 7394)
  • An Act promoting Salt Iodization nationwide (R.A. 8172)
  • An Act promoting voluntary blood donation, providing for an adequate supply of safe blood, regulating blood banks, providing penalties for violations thereof (R.A. 8180)
  • Children’s Media Act of 1996 (R.A. 8370)
  • Philippine National Police Reform Act (R.A. 8851)

As Secretary/Minister of Department of National Defense, he:
  • Instituted a reorganization program in the Department of National Defense to assert civilian supremacy over the military
  • Initiated reforms in the Retirement and Separation Benefit Systems (RSBS), the pension fund of the soldiers
  • Instituted a computerization program for the Philippine Veterans Administration Office (PVAO) 
  • Pioneered the use of electronic technology for procurement of equipment and supplies of the Armed Forces of the Philippines

    Contact Orlando S. Mercado