QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 376)
EO No. 376 authorizes the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to establish, manage, and operate a skills training center for disabled and street children.
At the Elsie Gaches Village.
The land is identified as Lot No. 1996 of the Muntinlupa Estate Subdivision, in Barrio Muntinlupa, Rizal (now Muntinlupa City), consisting of sixteen (16) hectares, more or less, including its buildings and improvements.
It was donated by Mr. Samuel F. Gaches to the Commonwealth of the Philippines (Republic of the Philippines) on 19 December 1940.
It must be for the exclusive benefit of the Commonwealth (Republic), to be used as a hospital site for crippled children and a home for the poor in their old age, or for other purposes of the same nature as determined by the President.
It frames the center as serving children with disabilities and street children through skills training, which is characterized as a purpose of the same nature as welfare/rehabilitation-oriented use contemplated in the donation condition, subject to presidential determination.
It states that it is the policy of the State to promote the well-being and total development of children and the youth, and to protect them from exploitation, abuse, improper influence, hazards, and other circumstances prejudicial to their physical, mental, emotional, social, and moral development.
Republic Act No. 7610, known as the Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination.
The State shall protect and rehabilitate children gravely threatened or endangered by circumstances affecting their survival and normal development over which they have no control.
Disabled children and street children.
Yes. It provides for the participation and involvement of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in the operation of the center.
It indicates that any change or expansion of use must remain within purposes considered 'of the same nature' as the original hospital/home for the poor, and that the President has determined such permissible use.
It was adopted on 29 October 1996 and signed by President Fidel V. Ramos.
The Executive Secretary is Ruben D. Torres. His signature typically indicates formal attestation/issuance for the EO’s effect as an official act.
“Establish” refers to creating/setting up the center, while “manage and operate” authorizes DSWD to run its day-to-day administration, programs, and services, consistent with the EO’s purpose.
Because the property is donated with specific use conditions, the EO functions not only as a policy initiative but also as a legal authorization to ensure the intended program aligns with those donation restrictions and the President’s determination.