EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 39 - CREATING THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL AIDS COUNCIL (PNAC) AS A NATIONAL POLICY AND ADVISORY BODY IN THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HIV (HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS) INFECTION AND AIDS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Recognizing the increasing number of Filipinos infected with HIV and succumbing to the AIDS disease, the Government of the Republic of the Philippines continues to pour its resources into preventing and controlling the spread of the deadly virus to all segments of the population;

Further, recognizing that the problem is getting bigger, there exists a need for an increased societal response from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, private volunteer groups and other parties;  

Recognizing that government agencies and non-government organizations can contribute and needs of those affected, and to the formulation of policies and programs concerning AIDS;

Acknowledging that, in view of their contracts with and access to individuals and communities, their commitment and versatility, and their knowledge and experiences, non-governmental organizations can make a special impact on individuals and society regarding AIDS and the needs of HIV infected people and those already suffering from the disease;

Recognizing that a national policy established at the highest level and effective intervention programs are needed to address the multi-dimensional impact of the AIDS epidemic on society;

Recalling that among the objectives of the national programs for the prevention and control of AIDS are to prevent the spread of HIV through all modes of infection and to reduce the impact of the disease on individuals, societies and communities;

Recognizing that the epidemic is still in its early stages and there exists an opportunity to prevent infection among the rest of the population;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, FIDEL V. RAMOS, President of the Republic of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by the Constitution and by law.  

1. AFFIRM that the roles of government agencies, non-government organizations, private volunteer groups and other parties in the national AIDS strategy are complementary, allowing them to contribute to the nationwide efforts in a manner commensurate with their respective qualities and potentials;

2. INSTRUCT the Department of health to take the lead in the creation and establishment of a multi-sectoral national committee which will include representatives of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, Labor and Employment, Justice, Tourism, Local Government, Budget and Management, Social Welfare and Development and Foreign Affairs, and non-governmental organizations, private volunteer groups, professional associations, advocacy groups, and other interested parties and will be called the Philippine National Aids Council (PNAC) which will advise the President of the Republic of the Philippines prevention and control of AIDS, ensure the avoidance of legal provisions which may impede the implementation of the national AIDS prevention strategy, and work in collaboration with other organizations and agencies to overcome discriminatory attitudes;

The PNAC shall be chaired by the Secretary of Health or his representative and the Secretary of the National Economic and Development Authority will act as Vice-Chair. The Chair shall invite selected interested agencies/organizations/groups to designate representatives who will set as permanent member and/or resource persons of the Council. As appropriate, the Chair shall create sub-committees to study specific policy issues and to make recommendations for program implementation;

3. CALL UPON non-government organizations and private volunteer groups and other interested parties;

a. to coordinate their activities with governmental bodies working on the prevention and control of AIDS;

b. to respond appropriately and sensitively to local conditions in order to ensure optimum mobilization and use of resources, devoting special attention to their effective and rational management;

c. to contribute, as appropriate, to programs relating to AIDS prevention and control, especially in primary health care and other forms of community development.

Since 19.07.98.