Bill 690.

Summary.

The bill recognizes the International Tasting Festival as an annual event of social, health, charitable, cultural, culinary and tourism interest in the Province of Veraguas. It would take place in the Santiago district on a date set by the Board in coordination with the National Cancer Association, with possible related events in other districts. Its principal purpose would be to raise funds for cancer prevention, education, guidance, early detection and support programs. It would also encourage public participation, gastronomy, culture, tourism and opportunities for local entrepreneurs and producers.

It creates a nonprofit Board with legal personality, its own assets, and administrative and financial autonomy, domiciled in the Santiago district. The Santiago chapter of the National Cancer Association (ANCEC Capitulo de Santiago Provincia de Veraguas) would retain the Festival’s historical and institutional ownership, identity and beneficiary status. The Board would organize and administer each edition in continuing coordination with ANCEC and would need its written authorization to change essential elements. Its objectives include supporting timely diagnostic services at the Doménico A. Melillo Center (Centro Doménico A. Melillo). Its functions include approving plans and budgets, raising funds, purchasing goods and services, keeping inventories and delivering net proceeds allocated to beneficiary programs.

The Board would have eleven principal members, each with an alternate, appointed by ANCEC, public institutions, business representatives and civil society. Represented institutions include the Ministry of Health (Ministerio de Salud), Ministry of Culture (Ministerio de Cultura), Panama Tourism Authority (Autoridad de Turismo de Panamá), Municipality of Santiago (Municipio de Santiago), Governor’s Office of the Province of Veraguas (Gobernación de la Provincia de Veraguas), Panamanian Sports Institute (Instituto Panameño de Deporte) and National Charity Lottery (Lotería Nacional de Beneficencia). The bill governs appointments, terms, vacancies, meetings, quorum, voting, minutes and conflicts of interest. Membership would be unpaid, although authorized, documented expenses could be reimbursed. The chair would legally represent the Board and authorize fund movements jointly with the treasury officer. Operational staff could be hired under internal controls.

The Board’s assets would include public contributions, donations, sponsorships, Festival revenue, property and other lawful resources. The Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo) and municipalities could contribute within their powers and budgets. Before each edition, the Board would approve an operational plan, budget, participation rules and safety measures. Funds would be recorded in separate accounts according to their source. Contracts funded with public money would follow applicable public rules; those funded solely with private money would follow private law and internal procedures. Contracts with members and related persons would be restricted. Revenue would cover documented expenses, reserves and beneficiary programs. Net funds due to ANCEC would be transferred within the ninety days following each edition. Tax benefits would remain subject to existing tax law requirements.

The Board would publish a report after each edition, annual financial statements, audits and management information online. Public funds would be subject to oversight by the Office of the Comptroller General of the Republic (Contraloría General de la República). The bill addresses liability for damage, cooperation among institutions, authorization to use the Festival’s name and distinctive signs, and the consent, privacy and image rights of patients and beneficiaries. Law 319 of August 24, 2022 (Ley 319 de 24 agosto de 2022) would apply supplementarily. The bill sets deadlines to establish the Board and adopt its regulations, preserves ANCEC’s earlier commitments, and governs documented transfers of assets and dissolution. These provisions would concern the named health, cultural, tourism and municipal institutions, as well as patients, volunteers, restaurants, sponsors, artisans and producers in the province of Veraguas.