MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE PHILLIPINE SPORTS COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF PHILLIPINES AND THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND SPORTS OF THE LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUB…

The Philippine Sports Commission of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Education and Sports of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic hereinafter referred to as ” the Sides, “

CONSIDERING that the Republic of Philippines and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic are members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its objective is to improve mutual understanding among the member countries.

DESIRING to strengthen and develop the bilateral relations, as well as increase cooperation in the field of sports between their two countries;

HAVE DECIDED as follows:

This memorandum of understanding (MOU) will provide the framework where detailed proposals for programs of cooperation in the field of sports development are to be jointly considered between the Sides on the basis of reciprocity and mutual benefit.

With a view to meeting the objectives of this MOU, the Sides will:

1. Exchange experts, coaches, referees, policy makers, entrepreneurs and athletes in the field of education, recreation and sports achievement, sports science, infrastructure and industry at both national and international events held in the two countries.
2. Participate in sports related conferences, symposia, seminars, exhibitions, and scientific meetings and in national and international relationships held by both Sides;
3. Exchange and establish relations utilizing the various forms of media-print, television, and radio broadcast and the internet- including but not limited to sports information data and sports equipment, as well as relevant issues including anti-doping, sports for the differently- abled and training theories among others;
4. Organize joint sporting events between the two countries;
5. Explore the feasibility of Expanding ASEAN leagues.

1. Each Party will protect, within its territory, the intellectual property rights of the other Party in accordance with the domestic law in force in their respective countries;
2. In case a specific arrangement, program or project may result in intellectual property, the Sides will conclude a separate arrangement in accordance with their respective regulations.

The cost of the cooperative activities under this MOU will be funded on terms to be mutually determined and will be subject to the availability of funds of the Sides.

1. The Sides will conclude specific arrangement for the implementation and development of specific programs under this MOU.
2. Such arrangement will specify the financial matter, responsibilities of the Sides involved and other related matters.
3. The Sides will make the necessary arrangements with the appropriate authorities in order that they may facilitate the entry, stay and exit of participants who will officially take part in the projects of cooperation in accordance with their respective national legislations.

1. Each Party will assure that its personnel engaged in the activities related to this MOU will respect the political independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the host country; hence, personnel will not interfere in the internal affairs of the host country and will avoid activities inconsistent with the purposes and objectives of this MOU.
2. Participants of the visiting country will submit to the immigration, fiscal, customs, sanitary and national security provisions in force in the receiving country and they cannot engage in any activity not related to their functions without prior authorization of the appropriate authorities. Further, they will leave the country at the end of the period granted for the purpose.
3. Violation of the above-mentioned provisions may result in revocation of all permits of the concerned personnel and other necessary measures in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations of the host country.

Any dispute of differences arising out of the interpretation or implementation of this MOU will be settled amicably by consultation or negotiations through diplomatic channels, between the Sides.

This MOU may be reviewed and amended by mutual written consent of the Sides, which Will be submitted through diplomatic channels. Such amendments will come into effect according to the provisions on effectivity in Paragraph 9.

1. This MOU will be effective on the date of later written notification by either Party indicating completion of their domestic requirements for its effectivity.
2. This MOU will remain effective for a period of five (5) years unless either Party terminates it by giving written notification through diplomatic channels six (6) months prior to its intended date of determination.
3. The termination of this MOU will not affect the validity and duration of the activities, plans, programs and projects made under this MOU, until the completion of such activities, plans, programs and projects.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Sides hereunto have affixed their signatures on the dates and at the places indicated below.

SIGNED in Manila, on this 10th day of May 2012, in two originals, each in English only.

For the Philippine Sports Commission of the Republic of the Philippines	For the Ministry of Education and Sports   Lao People’s Democratic Republic
(Sgd.) Hon. RICARDO R. GARCIA Chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission	(Sgd.) H.E.Mrs. Sengdeuane LACHANTHABOUNE Vice Minister of Education and Sports

Entry into Force: May 10, 2012