Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 118)
The main purpose of Executive Order No. 118 is to create the National Committee on the Culture of Peace (NCCP) to reinforce the Philippines' support for the UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme and promote a culture of peace based on respect for human rights, rejection of violence, and adherence to justice, solidarity, tolerance, and understanding.
The National Committee on the Culture of Peace (NCCP) was created by President Joseph Ejercito Estrada through Executive Order No. 118.
Executive Order No. 118 took effect immediately upon its signing on July 5, 1999.
The NCCP is composed of representatives, not lower than Assistant Secretary or Executive Director rank, from the Department of Foreign Affairs (Chairperson), Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Education, Culture and Sports, Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Commission on Human Rights, Commission on Higher Education, National Anti-Poverty Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, and the various committees of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines.
Representatives to the NCCP must be duly designated and hold a rank not lower than Assistant Secretary or Executive Director in their respective agencies.
Yes, the NCCP may invite representatives from other government agencies, private sector, academe, NGOs, media, and other specialized groups to participate and assist in its programs and activities.
The NCCP's primary duties include preparing the Philippine Programme of Action for the International Year for the Culture of Peace, leading UNESCO activities implementation for a culture of peace, supporting peace initiatives especially in conflict areas, formulating long-term plans and research, monitoring and evaluating Culture of Peace activities, and carrying out necessary actions to fulfill its objectives.
The Secretariat of the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) serves as the NCCP Secretariat and provides administrative support.
The NCCP is funded through the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM), subject to applicable budgeting, accounting, and auditing regulations.
It emphasizes the Philippines as a signatory to the UNESCO constitution, which mandates building lasting peace founded on intellectual and moral solidarity, and aligns with the United Nations' proclamation of the year 2000 as the International Year for the Culture of Peace.