EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 118 - PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF A NATIONAL COMMITTEE ON THE CULTURE OF PEACE

WHEREAS, the Philippines is a signatory to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) constitution on 21 November 1946 which mandates to build lasting peace founded on the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind;  

WHEREAS, the year 2000 has been proclaimed by the United Nations as the International Year for the Culture of Peace;

WHEREAS, the Philippines has staunchly supported the Culture of Peace Programme of UNESCO and has hosted several meetings and fora on the Culture of Peace and also created a government agency responsible for overall management of the comprehensive peace process;

WHEREAS, the establishment of the National Committee on the Culture of Peace (NCCP) will reaffirm and strengthen Philippine support for the UNESCO Culture of Peace Programme, signify the country’s firm resolve to participate in the promotion of global understanding and to attain a genuine culture of peace;

WHEREAS, the creation of the NCCP is envisioned to enhance and complement culture of peace programs in the Philippines and will make a direct contribution to the building, of a culture of peace based on respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, the rejection of  violence and all forms of discrimination, and adherence to the principles of justice and solidarity, tolerance, and understanding;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. Creation of the National Committee on the Culture of Peace. — There is hereby created the National Committee on the Culture of Peace, hereinafter referred to as the NCCP.

Sec. 2. Composition. — The NCCP shall be composed of the following agencies, through their duly designated representatives, not lower than the rank of Assistant Secretary or Executive Director:

Department of Foreign Affairs     - Chairperson

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the - Member
Peace Process

Department of Interior and Local  - Member
Government

Department of Education, Culture and   - Member
Sports

Department of Labor and Employment - Member

Department of Social Welfare and     - Member
Development

Commission on Human Rights    - Member

Commission on Higher Education - Member

National Anti-Poverty Commission   - Member

National Commission on Indigenous - Member
Peoples

Social and Human Sciences Committee - Member
of the UNESCO National Commission
of the Philippines

Communication Committee of the   - Member
UNESCO National Commission of the
Philippines

Culture Committee of the UNESCO  - Member
National Commission of the Philippines