Roles and Composition of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC)
- CWC retains its functions and powers as per Presidential Decree No. 603 and Executive Order No. 233 (s. 1986).
- Functions as the national policy and program coordinating body for children's rights and welfare.
- Membership includes agencies and organizations identified in EO 233 (s. 1986).
- Secretary of Social Welfare and Development serves as Chairperson.
- Attached administratively to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Institutional Relationships and Organizational Realignments
- Transfer of non-ECCD functions and staff of CWC to the DSWD as provided in EO 778.
- Necessity to have a focal agency, distinct from DSWD, tasked with policy formulation, advocacy, monitoring, and evaluation concerning children below 18 years.
- Alignment with national and international frameworks and treaty obligations relating to children's rights and welfare.
Legal Authority and Administrative Foundations
- Power of the President under the 1987 Revised Administrative Code to reorganize government agencies.
- Utilization of this authority to reaffirm and clarify roles of ECCD Council and CWC.
Repealing Clause and Effectivity
- Revocation or amendment of inconsistent executive orders, rules, and regulations to harmonize with this Order.
- Immediate effectivity upon signing.
Summary of Key Points
- ECCD Council is the lead agency on child care programs for ages 0 to 6.
- CWC focuses on welfare and rights protection for all children below 18 years.
- DSWD serves as the administrative home of CWC.
- Clear separation of roles to improve efficiency in promoting children's growth, development, and welfare.
- Legal basis grounded on previous laws and executive orders, adjusted under the President's power of reorganization.