Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 385)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 385 is to create a Task Force to Address the Concerns of Persons with Disabilities to fast-track the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive and integrated plan of action to promote rehabilitation, self-reliance, and development of persons with disabilities and to address their immediate needs and concerns.
The Task Force was created by President Fidel V. Ramos of the Republic of the Philippines through Executive Order No. 385 dated December 9, 1996.
The Task Force is composed of: Secretary, Department of Social Welfare and Development (Chairman); Secretary, Department of the Interior and Local Government (Co-Chairman); Secretaries of Labor and Employment, Trade and Industry, Health, Education, Culture and Sports, Agrarian Reform and SRA Lead Convenor; Chairman, Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office; Chairman, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation; Chairman, Philippine Sports Commission; Head, Rizal Council of Persons with Disabilities, Inc.; Head, Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc.; and concerned local government executives and representatives from NGOs as determined by the Task Force.
The functions include: ensuring formulation and implementation of integrated action plans for persons with disabilities; identifying and addressing gaps in program implementation and laws; formulating strategic interventions and providing responses to concerns; facilitating fund-raising and innovative funding schemes; submitting quarterly reports to the President; and performing other tasks directed by the President.
The National Council on the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) Secretariat provides technical and secretariat support to the Task Force.
An initial amount of Ten Million Pesos (₱10,000,000.00) from the OP-DBM savings/reserves and Five Million Pesos (₱5,000,000.00) from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) shall be released for priority programs and activities for persons with disabilities in 1997. The NCWDP serves as the fund depository and manages these funds.
Republic Act No. 7277, known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, is cited as the law to ensure the rehabilitation and over-all development of disabled persons and their integration into the mainstream of society.
The Task Force is authorized to call upon any department, bureau, office, agency, or instrumentality of the government for assistance as may be needed in discharging its functions.
The Task Force is required to submit quarterly reports to the President regarding its activities and progress in addressing the concerns of persons with disabilities.
Executive Order No. 385 took effect immediately upon its signing on December 9, 1996.