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.