Establishment of Philippine Food and Nutrition Program
- Integrated four-year program involving government and private sector
- Drafted by National Nutrition Council
- Requires Presidential approval for implementation
Creation of National Nutrition Council
- Agency established under Office of the President
- Composed of key officials from departments: Education and Culture, Health, Social Welfare, Local Government, National Food and Agriculture Council, National Science Development Board
- Includes private sector representatives, such as Philippine Medical Association
- Cabinet members may designate Undersecretaries or Assistant Secretaries as representatives
Functions and Powers of the Council
- Formulate integrated national nutrition program
- Supervise, coordinate, evaluate implementation of nutrition programs
- Coordinate policies and programs related to nutrition among all government agencies
- Coordinate release of public funds for nutrition projects
- Coordinate government requests for loans and grants for nutrition initiatives
- Call on government entities for assistance as needed
Leadership and Management Structure
- Chairman-Coordinator of National Food and Agriculture Council serves as Council Chairman
- Secretary of Health acts as Chairman in absence
- Appointment of Executive Director and Deputies to manage policy implementation
- Formation of Management Committee with representatives from member agencies
- Employment of necessary personnel, subject to Civil Service rules
- Emphasis on merit and efficiency, prohibition of political tests for employment
Nutrition Month
- July designated as Nutrition Month
- Replaces previous Nutrition Week in March
- Aims to raise public awareness on nutrition
- Activities approved and coordinated by the Council
Authority to Receive Donations
- Council authorized to receive donations, grants, and gifts from any source
- Administration and disbursement according to terms set by donors and Council discretion
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial appropriation of 3.4 million pesos for 1974-1975 from existing NFAC funds
- Additional ten million pesos appropriated from 1975-1976 onwards as operating funds
- Appropriations subject to annual General Appropriation Act and financial adjustments by Council
Repeal Clause
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations repealed or modified accordingly
Effectivity
- Decree takes effect immediately upon signing
This comprehensive decree establishes a centralized mechanism for nutrition policy formulation and program coordination, enshrines funding provisions, designates annual Nutrition Month, and ensures integrated multisectoral participation and legislative compliance.