Administrative Order No. 35, s. 2002 | Senate of the Philippines Legislative Reference Bureau

DIRECTING ALL DEPARTMENTS, BUREAUS, GOVERNMENT-OWNED AND/OR CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS, GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, STATE UNIVERSITIES/COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES/INSTRUMENTALITIES TO PROMOTE AND CONDUCT RELEVANT ACTIVITIES DURING THE ANNUAL OBSERVANCE OF THE NATIONAL DISABILITY PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION WEEK

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 1870 was issued on June 22, 1979 declaring the third week of July as the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week to highlight the nation’s efforts towards disability prevention and rehabilitation leading to the effective integration of persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society as mandated under RA 7277 otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Disabled Persons;”

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 361 was subsequently issued on August 19, 2000 resetting the dates of the annual observance of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week which culminates on the birthdate of the sublime paralytic, Apolinario Mabini, on July 23 each year;

WHEREAS, the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons (NCCDP) which was created by virtue of Presidential Decree No. 1509 dated June 11, 1978, and became National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) by virtue of Executive Order No. 232 dated July 22, 1987, is mandated to serve as the central authority of the government which will direct, coordinate, and integrate planning and management as well as implementation of all activities, public and private, pertaining to the welfare of persons with disabilities;

WHEREAS, it is in the national interest to stimulate public awareness on all matters and issues involving persons with disabilities and encourage every citizen to take active responsibility in uplifting their economic and social conditions as well as recognizing the abilities of our brethren with disabilities;

WHEREAS, these efforts require the re-affirmation of support by this Government in partnership with non-government organizations working for/of persons with disabilities hand-in-hand with concerned agencies, as well as the private sector through the participation of the Filipino citizenry;

WHEREAS, in celebrating the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) Week, there is a need to institute tangible programs to fully realize the objectives set forth in the aforecited statutes;

WHEREAS, the activities or programs initiated to mark the celebration of the milestones achieved for this marginalized sector will focus on encouraging the person with disability sector in taking pro-active roles in nation building.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order all heads of departments, bureaus, agencies, government-owned and/or controlled corporations (GOCCs), government financial institutions (GFIs), local government units (LGUs), state universities/colleges and schools, and other government agencies/instrumentalities to promote and conduct relevant activities in the annual celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week as follows:

SECTION 1. The National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP) will spearhead the holding of a series of activities involving government and private agencies to highlight the nation’s efforts towards disability prevention and rehabilitation leading to the effective integration of persons with disabilities into the mainstream of society.

SEC 2. All departments, agencies, offices, GOCCs and LGUs and other government agencies/instrumentalities as well as the mass media and the entire citizenry are hereby required to extend their whole-hearted support and cooperation by conducting specific programs necessary to give effect to this order.

SEC 3. All public and private welfare agencies are hereby enjoined to participate and cooperate actively in propagating the plight of persons with disabilities. Any financial contributions and/or fund-raising shall be tax-exempt (which shall include the sweepstakes draw, among others.)

SEC 4. Funding. – Funds necessary to carry out the provisions of this Administrative Order shall be sourced out by the concerned agencies from the appropriation prescribed under Section 29 and 31 of the General Appropriations Act of 2002 starting this year. Thereafter and in the ensuing celebrations, all concerned government agencies shall allocate an amount equivalent to not less than 1% of their total budget for the year as provided for under Section 29 & 31 of the 2002 General Appropriation Act.

SEC 5. Repealing Clause. – All orders, issuances, or parts thereof inconsistent with this Administrative Order are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SEC 6. Effectivity. – This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 3rd day of May, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and two.

(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines

By the President:

(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary

Source: Malacañang Records Office

Office of the President of the Philippines. (2002). [Administrative Order Nos. : 1 – 110-A]. Manila : Malacañang Records Office.