Terms of Reference of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons

September 15, 2006

DSWD ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 07-06

 

I. Purpose

This document was developed for the purpose of defining and strengthening the roles and functions of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (the Council) as a policy and coordinating body advocating for the full protection and integration of persons with disability into the mainstream of society as embodied under Executive Order Number 232, "Providing for the Structural and Functional Reorganization of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons and for Other Purposes" signed on 22 July 1987 by President Corazon C. Aquino. EO 232 names the Council as an attached agency of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (the Department) and mandates the DSWD to exercise administrative control and supervision over the Council.

II. Guiding Principles

As set forth under EO 232, Section 3. Objectives of the Council, the following shall be observed to guide its actions: AIDSTE

1. The Council's medium- and long-term plans should be in consonance with international and national agenda that have been identified and that have established specific goals for persons with disability.

2. The Council's annual thrusts and priorities should be anchored on the medium and long term plans of the Department.

3. The Council shall ensure participation of intermediaries and stakeholders both at the national and local levels in all activities such as formulation of all plans and its subsequent monitoring and evaluation, and the conduct of fora and consultations.

4. The Council shall at all times, ensure that the Department's Central and Field Offices are informed of and actively involved in the implementation of its policies and plans.

5. The Governing Board referred to in EO 232 is also the Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons.

6. An undersecretary of the Department designated by the Secretary as alternate chair of the Council and chair of the Executive Committee shall exercise administrative control and supervision over the Council's functions, EXECOM and Secretariat.

7. The Council shall provide technical assistance and resource augmentation to Regional Councils for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (RCWDP) to enable them to effectively perform their functions and responsibilities.

8. The Regional Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons shall be chaired by the Regional Directors of the Department and will be under the Department for administrative control and supervision.

9. The Council shall advocate the establishment and appropriate funding of the Office of Persons with Disability (OPD) at all local government levels to promote the rights of the PWDs.

10. The Council shall, maintain a consultative and collegial type of interaction with its partners and stakeholders during deliberations and discussions.

III. Composition and Responsibilities

Based on Sections 8 and 9 of EO 232, DSWD Memorandum Circular Number 10, s. 2005 "Delegation of Authority in the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons," and the Resolution adapted by the Board during their meeting held on 23 April 2001, the following shall be observed:

Office of the Executive Director — shall, in addition to the delegated responsibilities enumerated under MC No. 10, provide the Council with a semestral report on the status of implementation of all approved policies, plans, rules and regulations. Said report should provide a summary of issues, concerns, and/or problems encountered and strategies to resolve said issues.

Executive Committee — headed by the Undersecretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) designated by the Secretary as alternate chair of the Council and Executive Committee, shall recommend to the Council its annual thrusts and priorities, budget, and plans and targets.

It shall likewise prepare reports required by national and international bodies.

Secretariat — headed by the Executive Director, shall provide the technical support, data and information, and other relevant inputs required by the Council for policy direction. AaCTcI

To effectively implement these functions, it may avail of technical assistance from any or all units, bureaus, services, and offices of the Department.

IV. Effectivity

This Order shall take effect immediately and revokes all previous Orders contrary to it.

Issued this 15th day of September 2006 in Quezon City, Philippines.

(SGD.) DR. ESPERANZA I. CABRALSecretary