Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 101)
The primary purpose of Executive Order No. 101, s. 2020 is to create an Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger to coordinate and rationalize government efforts to eradicate hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture in the Philippines.
The Executive Order bases the creation of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Section 11, Article XIII of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to adopt a comprehensive approach to health development, including making essential social services available to all at affordable costs.
The Cabinet Secretary serves as the Chairperson of the Inter-Agency Task Force on Zero Hunger.
The members include the Secretaries of the Departments of Social Welfare and Development, Agriculture, Agrarian Reform, Budget and Management, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Labor and Employment, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Science and Technology; the Director General of NEDA, Chairperson of CHED, and the head of the Presidential Communications Operations Office as member.
The main functions include formulating a National Food Policy, coordinating government efforts towards zero hunger, monitoring and evaluating government progress using key performance indicators, creating technical working groups, preparing annual reports for the President, and performing other functions directed by the President.
The National Food Policy serves as a roadmap to achieve zero hunger by outlining national priorities based on a comprehensive understanding of hunger and related issues. It incorporates initiatives for ending hunger, food security, nutrition improvement, and sustainable agriculture, all consistent with existing laws and international obligations.
Yes, Task Force members may designate an alternate. The alternate must be fully authorized to decide for and on behalf of the Task Force member they represent.
Local government units are enjoined to provide the necessary assistance and support to the Task Force in implementing its goals and programs toward achieving zero hunger.
The initial funding requirements are charged against the current appropriations of the member-agencies of the Task Force, with succeeding years’ budget to be included in the agencies' annual budget proposals.
If any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect, in accordance with the principle of separability.