Act as the primary government agency through which Muslim Filipinos can seek
government assistance and redress; serve as the medium through which such
assistance may be extended to Muslim Filipinos; for this purpose, the
Commission is hexby authorized, subject to existing auditing rules and
regulations, to give grants-in-aid out of its appropriations or appropriate funds
to cooperating government agencies for such programs or projects which are for
the development of Muslim communities; provide services including legal
assistance, medica1 aid, relief and other forms of assistance for socio-economic
upliftment of Muslim communities;
Enter, subject to existing laws, policies and buidelines, into such contracts,
agreements or arrangements with government or private agencies or entities as
may be necessary to attain the objectives of the Commission, including obtaining
loans from lending institutions, subject to the approval of the President, which
shall finance the implementation of the provisions of this Act;
In accordance with pertinent laws, rules and regulations then in force, and
subject to guidelines provided by the President, promote and enhance the
development of domestic trade and commerce among the members of the
Muslim communities; or promote or facilitate the establishment by members of
the Muslim communities of venture and investments in cooperation or
coordination with &sting public enterprises, corporations or private entities, or
subject to prior approval of the President, initiate and/or organize, in accordance
with pertinent laws, rules and regulations then in force, enterprises based on the
principles of Islamic business and finance consistent with existing policies and
guideline for the benefit and welfare of the regions of autonomy;
Recommend to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) the proposed
expenditure for the development of all Filipino Muslim communities;
Develop criteria for allocating additional resources for education, economic and
cultural development programs;
Monitor and evaluate the performance of all existing development programs and
policies of the government that seek to strengthen and uplift the socio-economic
conditions of Filipino Muslims and identity areas that need government
intervention and support;
Acquire, in any lawful manner, such personal or real property; or any interest
therein, as it deems itecessary or convenient in the transaction of its business; to
hold, maintain, sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of such property or any interest
therein; and to provide services in connection therewith and charges therefore;
Accept grants, donations, gifts funds and/or properties in whatever source, in
coordination with the appropriate agency for the benefit of the Muslim Filipinos,
and administer the same in accordance with the terms thereof, or in absence of
any condition, In such manner consistent with the interest of Muslim Filipinos as
well as existing laws;
Undertake studies, establish and maintain ethnographic research centers and
museums on the cultures and institutions of Muslim Filipinos for policy
formulation and program implementation and for the purpose of preserving
their historical heritage;