Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 3849)
Republic Act No. 3849 further amends Republic Act No. 621, which created the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) National Commission of the Philippines, to enhance its composition, functions, and organizational structure for better promotion of UNESCO's cause in the Philippines.
The Commission is composed of appointive and ex-officio members, including 27 members designated through organizations interested in educational, scientific, and cultural matters, 12 representing government agencies, 4 designated at the President's discretion, and the Chairmen of the Senate and House Education Committees as ex-officio members.
Members are appointed by the President of the Philippines with the consent of the Commission on Appointments. They must be morally and academically qualified to represent their respective organizations.
Members serve a term of three years; however, one-third of the members appointed shall serve for one year, another third for two years, and the remainder for three years as indicated in their appointments.
Members serve in an honorary capacity and receive no compensation or remuneration except for traveling expenses and a per diem of twenty pesos for each day of actual attendance at sessions.
The Commission elects a Chairman and a Vice-Chairman who serve for a term of three years without the right to hold over but may be re-elected for one additional term.
Key duties include meeting at least once a year, promulgating internal rules, advising the government on UNESCO-related matters, recommending Philippine delegation memberships for UNESCO events, serving as liaison between the government and UNESCO, associating relevant Philippine bodies with UNESCO, submitting annual reports, contracting as needed, administering funds, and handling UNESCO correspondence.
Yes, the Chairman, with the approval of the Commission, is authorized to receive gifts, donations, bequests, and subventions directly from governments, institutions, associations, and private persons.
The Commission shall create an executive committee and such other committees or subcommittees necessary for effective performance of its functions and establish regional offices to promote UNESCO's cause.
An initial amount of five hundred thousand pesos, or as much as necessary, is appropriated from the National Treasury to implement the Act, and this amount shall be included in the yearly appropriations for the Commission thereafter.