Title
Harmonizing gov't aid in disasters
Law
Executive Order No. 137
Decision Date
May 24, 2021
Executive Order No. 137 reclassifies the municipality of Madrid from fourth class to third class based on the recommendation of the Municipal Council and General Auditing Office, effective October 17, 1955.

Law Summary

Institutionalization of the AHON Convergence Program

  • Establishes the Aid and Humanitarian Operations Nationwide (AHON) Convergence Program for unified delivery of social amelioration services.
  • Key component programs include:
    • Immediate relief (food, non-food, medical) by DA, PCSO, and DSWD's AICS.
    • Livelihood assistance by DSWD, DTI, DOLE, and DA programs.
    • Educational assistance via cash allowances through DSWD-AICS.
    • Burial and transportation assistance through DSWD.
    • Employment assistance programs by DOLE and DSWD’s BP2.
    • Health assistance from DOH and DSWD.
    • Direct financial grants and infrastructure for preparedness and rehabilitation involving multiple agencies.
  • Implementing agencies responsible for program execution with minimal beneficiary qualification barriers.
  • Does not restrict additional assistance by government agencies or LGUs prior to inclusion in AHON.

Creation and Composition of the AHON Committee

  • Establishes the AHON Committee headed by the Office of the Special Assistant to the President (OSAP).
  • Vice-Chair is the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
  • Members include DTI, DA, DOH, DICT, DOLE, and PCSO.
  • Agencies to designate permanent representatives at the Undersecretary level or equivalent.
  • OSAP provides secretariat services.

Functions of the AHON Committee

  • Ensures efficient, coordinated, and adequate aid to affected and vulnerable sectors during emergencies.
  • Harmonizes aid types to optimize use of resources.
  • May add programs or agencies to the AHON Convergence Program as necessary.
  • Can call on any national government agency for support.
  • Crafts guidelines for effective implementation.
  • Performs other functions as directed by the President.

Convergence Information System (CIS)

  • DICT, in coordination with NEDA and PSA, to establish a unified CIS.
  • CIS will contain verified beneficiary data including individuals, families, and communities.
  • Utilizes geotagging and other recommended technologies.
  • Data handling complies with the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and other laws.
  • CIS to be regularly updated and accessible to government agencies and public.

Support and Assistance Provisions

  • Encourages all government offices, LGUs, government-owned corporations, and state universities to support the AHON Committee.
  • Directs Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police to assist in aid delivery.

Funding Mechanisms

  • Implementation funding to be charged against existing agency appropriations and other identified sources.
  • Subject to availability of funds and compliance with budgeting and auditing laws.
  • Future funding to be included in annual budget submissions of committee member agencies.

Reporting Requirements

  • AHON Committee must submit annual implementation reports to the President via the Executive Secretary.

Legal Provisions

  • Contains a separability clause to preserve remaining provisions if any part is invalidated.
  • Repeals or modifies inconsistent orders, rules, or issuances.

Effectivity Clause

  • The Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.

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