The TESDA Board shall meet at least four (4) times a year, or as frequently as may be deemed necessary by its Chairperson. In the absence of the Chairperson, a Co-Chairperson shall preside. In case any member of the Board representing the Government cannot attend the meeting, he/she shall be represented by an Assistant Regional Secretary or chief of regional operations division, as the case may be, to be designated by such member for the purpose. The benefits, privileges and emoluments of the Board shall be consistent with existing laws and rules. SEC. 35. Powers and Functions of the Board. - The Authority shall be primarily responsible in formulating, coordinating and fully integrating technical education and skills development policies, plans and programs taking into consideration the following: (1) The regional policy declared herein of giving new direction and thrusts to efforts in developing the quality of human resource in ARMM through technical education and skills development; (2) The implementation of the above-mentioned policy requires the coordination and cooperation of policies, plans and programs of different concerned sectors in the ARMM and Philippine society; (3) Equal participation of representatives of industry groups, trade associations, employers, workers and government shall be made the rule in order to ensure that urgent needs and recommendations are readily addressed; and (4) Improved linkages between industry, labor and government shall be given priority in the formulation of any regional-level plan. The Board shall have the following powers: (1) Promulgate, after due consultation with industry groups, trade associations, employers, workers, policies, plans, programs and guidelines as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Code; (2) Organize and constitute various standing committees, subsidiary groups or technical working groups for efficient integration, coordination and monitoring technical education and skills development programs in the ARMM; (3) Enter into, make, execute, perform and carry-out domestic and foreign contracts subject to existing laws, rules and regulations; (4) Restructure the entire sub-sector consisting of all institutions and programs involved in the promotion and development of middle-level manpower through upgrading, merger and/or phase-out following a user-led strategy; (5) Approve trade skills standards and trade tests as established and conducted by private industries in the ARMM; 131