Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 491)
The official title of Presidential Decree No. 491 is the Nutrition Act of the Philippines.
The Government of the Philippines declares that nutrition is now a priority to be implemented by all branches of government in an integrated fashion.
It is an Integrated Four-Year Program involving government and private sector participation, drafted by the National Nutrition Council and approved by the President for implementation.
The National Nutrition Council is created, and it operates under the Office of the President.
Members include the Secretary, Department of Education and Culture; Chairman-Coordinator, National Food and Agriculture Council; Secretary, Department of Health; Chairman, National Science Development Board; Secretary, Department of Social Welfare; Secretary, Department of Local Government and Community Development; Chairman of the Nutrition Foundation of the Philippines; President, Philippine Medical Association; and one other private sector representative appointed by the President.
Functions include formulating an integrated national nutrition program; supervising, coordinating, and evaluating the Philippine Food and Nutrition Program; coordinating policies of government agencies concerned with nutrition; coordinating release of public funds for nutrition; coordinating requests for loans and grants; and calling on government agencies for assistance.
The Chairman-Coordinator of the National Food and Agriculture Council is the Chairman of the National Nutrition Council. In his absence, the Secretary of Health serves as the Acting Chairman.
The Executive Director implements the policies, programs, projects, and decisions of the Council and is appointed by the Council itself.
The month of July is designated as Nutrition Month to create greater awareness of the importance of nutrition.
Appointments and promotions must be based on merit and efficiency without any political tests or qualifications. Civil Service rules apply except for certain technical, policy-determining, or confidential positions.
For fiscal year 1974-1975, 3.4 million pesos are appropriated from NFAC funds for nutrition programs. Starting fiscal year 1975-1976, 10 million pesos are appropriated as operating funds for the Council, subject to increase or decrease based on financial position.
The Decree takes effect immediately upon signing on June 25, 1974.
Yes, the Council is authorized to receive donations, grants, or gifts from any sources, which must be managed according to the terms specified by the grant or donation and the discretion of the Council majority.
All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Decree are repealed or modified accordingly.