Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 709)
The purpose of Executive Order No. 709 is to redefine the functions and organizational structure of the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons, renaming it as the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) and attaching it to the Office of the President, amending Executive Order 676 (2007) and Executive Order 232 (1987).
The order references the United Nations General Assembly's Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006), the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (1993), and the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons (1982) as foundational international commitments promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities.
Article 13, Section 13 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution mandates the state to establish a special agency for the rehabilitation, self-development, self-reliance, and integration of persons with disabilities into society.
The NCDA is tasked to formulate policies and propose legislation concerning disabled persons’ rights and welfare, lead program implementation, conduct consultations and evaluations, establish a data bank on disability, maintain linkages with organizations, serve as a national body to monitor laws and commitments, assist in establishing self-help organizations, and provide technical and financial assistance for PWD participation in development.
The Governing Board is headed by a Chairperson from NGOs and includes members from multiple government departments such as Social Welfare and Development, Health, Labor and Employment, Education, Interior and Local Government, Trade and Industry, Public Works and Highways, Transportation and Communications, Foreign Affairs, Justice, Philippine Information Agency, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and six private individuals representing PWD organizations and civic groups.
Appointed by the President and co-terminous with the President's term, the Chairperson must come from non-government organizations, call and preside over meetings, manage Council affairs, monitor policy implementation, sign communications, represent the Board, solicit donations, execute contracts, organize committees, and acts as the chief executive officer of the NCDA with the rank and privileges of an Undersecretary.
The Executive Committee is chaired by the Board Chairperson and includes eight Sub-Committee Chairpersons and one PWD Board member. It resolves policy issues and program recommendations before they are presented to the Board.
Sub-Committees and chairs include Accessibility on Built Environment and Transportation (DPWH), Training, Employment and Livelihood (DOLE), Auxiliary Social Services (DSWD), Health (DOH), Information, Communications and Technology (DOTC), Advocacy (PIA), Education (DepEd), and International Disability Network (DFA).
LGUs are encouraged to create local committees on disability affairs and designate coordinators for PWD programs and services. They may allocate funds for such activities from their annual appropriations as per Sections 35 and 36 of the Local Government Code.
The Council, through the Chairperson or authorized officials, may solicit and accept gifts, grants, and donations in accordance with government regulations. These funds shall be used for their intended purposes or as determined by the Board. Additionally, appropriations for the former NCWDP automatically become funds of the NCDA.