Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 485)
The President of the Philippines has the authority to create the National Steering Committee, as exercised by President Ferdinand E. Marcos through this Executive Order.
The Order aligns with the United Nations General Assembly resolution adopting the International Year of the Child at its 106th plenary meeting on December 21, 1976.
Presidential Proclamation 1604-A dated December 10, 1976, which directs the observance of the Decade of the Filipino Child from 1977 to 1987, and includes Philippine participation in the International Year of the Child in 1979.
The members include Mrs. Imelda Romualdez Marcos (Honorary Chairman), Dr. Estefania Aldaba-Lim (Chairman), Dr. Clemente S. Gatmaitan (Co-Chairman), Secretary Juan L. Manuel, Dr. Onofre D. Corpuz, Undersecretary Manuel Collantes, Dr. Jaime C. Laya, Ambassador Leandro I. Verceles, Dr. Fe del Mundo, and Dr. Leticia Perez de Guzman.
The Committee is empowered to prepare guidelines and the national blueprint for the observance of the International Year of the Child, call on any government agency or instrumentality for assistance, and designate officials it may require for the purpose.
It ensures cooperation and coordination among all relevant government entities to effectively organize and implement the observance of the International Year of the Child.
The Order does not specify any penalties or sanctions for non-compliance or failure to cooperate.
The Order took effect immediately upon its issuance on May 27, 1977.
The Order notes concern for the situation of children in Asia, where 80% of human poverty exists and half of the world's population lives, emphasizing the importance of addressing children's welfare.