Establishment of a Family and Retirees Service Unit (Revision of D.O. No. 08-08)

April 12, 2012

DFA DEPARTMENT ORDER NO. 09-12

ESTABLISHMENT OF A FAMILY AND RETIREES SERVICE UNIT

SECTION 1. Legal Basis and Justification. —

1. Article II, Section 12 of the Constitution provides that, "The State recognizes the sanctity of family life and shall protect and strengthen the family as a basic autonomous social institution;"

2. Article XV, Section 1 of the Constitution, further states that, "The State recognizes the Filipino family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total development;"

3. Article II, Section 13 of the Constitution, recognizes the "vital role of the youth in nation building and encourages their involvement in public and civic affairs;"

4. Article 149 of the Family Code of the Philippines further states that, "The family, being the foundation of the nation, is a basic social institution, which public policy cherishes and protects;"

5. Republic Act 9257 of February 26, 2004, or otherwise known as the "Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2003" recognize, support, seek to provide services and encourage the participation of senior citizens in Philippine society;

6. Article XV, Section 4 of the Constitution, states that the State may design programs of social security for elderly members of society. Further, Article XIII, Section 11 provides: "The State shall give priority to the needs of the underprivileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women and children;"

7. There is a need for a unit that can provide programs and services to Foreign Service personnel and their family members in view of transition and adjustment challenges brought about by the system of retirement, rotation and transfers;

8. The Department recognizes the invaluable expertise and experience of its retired members and the continued contributions they can make to the institution;

9. Section 9 of the Foreign Service Act authorizes the Secretary to review and align periodically the principal offices of the Department in order to effectively meet the requirements of the service;

10. Section 83 of the Foreign Service Act provides that the Secretary is authorized to effect the organization of the Department and the Foreign Service and allot the funds provided for the Department in the General Appropriations Act;

11. Section 87 of the Foreign Service Act empowers the Secretary to issue such rules and regulations as may be necessary to implement the provisions of the Act as well as the provisions of acts, decrees, and orders which are not inconsistent with it.

SECTION 2. Composition. — The Family and Retirees Services Unit (FRSU) is hereby created to serve as the focal office in the planning and implementation of programs and services geared towards the improvement of the well being of Department and Foreign Service personnel and their family members, as well as retired personnel.

The FRSU shall coordinate with DFA Multi-purpose Cooperative (DFAMCI), DFA Rank and File Personnel Association (DFARAFPA), Union of Foreign Service Officers (UNIFORS), DFA Ladies Foundation (DFALF), DFA Muslim Personnel Association (DFAMPA), DFA Personnel Association (DFAPA) the Department Clinic, and the DFA Day Care Center and other entities in the conduct of its operations.

The Unit shall be under the direct supervision of the Office of Personnel and Administrative Services — Administrative Service Division.

The FRSU will have jurisdictional supervision over the DFA Day Care Center.

The Unit shall be composed of a Head Unit and a support staff of at least 3 (three). The Staffing Pattern of the FRSU shall be augmented as the need arises and upon the availability of funding and personnel.

The Administrative Officer in each Foreign Service Post shall act as the FRSU coordinator of the Post.

SECTION 3. Functions. — The Family Services and Retirees Unit shall be in charge of the planning and delivery of family-related and retired personnel services to the Department and Foreign Service employees and family members. The programs and services that the FRSU will render may include, but not necessarily be limited to the following:

1. In coordination with the Foreign Service Institute, conduct Departure/Arrival Orientation seminars and programs for Department and Foreign Service personnel, their dependents and other household members, including courses on languages, personal decorum and protocols.

2. Coordinate with the concerned geographic and other concerned offices the negotiations of bilateral agreements and reciprocal permission of gainful employment of our diplomats' dependents;

3. Develop updated, post-specific Orientation Manual; the FRSU is to provide guidance to the Home Office and Foreign Service Posts in drafting Orientation Manuals, which will include; but will not be limited to information on safety and security, housing, social services, education options for children, recreation, insurance, employment of spouses and home rental, car, food, transportation, currency exchange and other community resource. The FRSU will be tasked to consolidate and update inputs from Posts, DFA concerned units, DFA Associations, government and non-government entities among others in the creation of Orientation Manuals;

4. Oversee the Department's wellness programs including medical and dental services as well as health seminars to be done in cooperation with the local health insurance company.

5. Accredit psychologists and financial counselors to provide seminars and professional services to DFA personnel.

6. Provide referral service on housing, livelihood, social services, recreational, medical, psychological, educational, scholarships and financial needs and requirements for the family members of DFA personnel. Related to this, FRSU shall accredit service providers in coordination with concerned offices, institutions and agencies.

7. Formulate policy recommendations on family-related issues relating to foreign assignments and reintegration.

8. Assist retired and retiring personnel in availing and settling retirement benefits from concerned offices in the Department and other concerned institutions.

9. Tap retired personnel in various support activities in the Department.

The Head of the FRSU shall undertake the foregoing activities in coordination with the concerned agencies of the Department, employee organizations, other government and private entities.

SECTION 4. Benefits and Services to Family Members and Dependents. —

The FRSU will adopt an expanded definition of dependents and family members to include parents, adoptees or to the extent of what DFA personnel would personally and officially enroll as such. The personal and official commitments, contributions and obligations of DFA personnel to his/her family members and dependents will determine the benefits and services these family members and dependents will receive.

SECTION 5. Reportorial Requirements. — The FRSU shall submit an annual written accomplishment report documenting its operations, performance and plans. The FRSU shall also seek inputs from its main stakeholders, the DFA employees, in the preparation of the report and the implementation of its plans.

SECTION 6. Funding. — The funding requirements of the FRSU shall be appropriated and incorporated in the General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 7. Repealing Clause. — All Department Orders, circular and regulations, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with any provisions of this Order are hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 8. Effectivity Clause. —

This order shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its filing with the University of the Philippines Law Center.

Pasay City, April 12, 2012.

(SGD.) ALBERT F. DEL ROSARIOSecretary of Foreign Affairs