WHEREAS , the 1987 Philippine Constitution, under Section 3, Article XV, provides that children have a right to assistance, including proper care and nutrition and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development;

WHEREAS , Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the œSpecial Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act,  declares children as Zones of Peace, and as such, they shall not be recruited to become members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines or its civilian units or other armed groups, nor be allowed to take part in the fighting, or used as guides, couriers or spies;

WHEREAS , the 1990 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UN CRC) to which the Philippines is a State Party likewise prohibits the recruitment of children in armed conflict and calls for the adoption of feasible measures to ensure the protection and care of children who are affected by an armed conflict;

WHEREAS , the use of children in armed conflict in several capacities either as combatants, spies, couriers or guides requires immediate attention and action from all sectors of society;

WHEREAS , Executive Order 310 series of 2000 adopted CHILD 21 which provides the overall framework for plan development of children from 2000-2025 which includes, among others, children in armed conflict as one of the groups of children needing special protection;

WHEREAS , the Framework for a Comprehensive Program for Children in Armed Conflict to effectively address the problems affecting children in armed conflict has been formulated through consultations with concerned sectors.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO , President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order and direct the following:

SECTION 1. Program Framework. The Comprehensive Program Framework for Children in Armed Conflict, as approved by the CWC Board, is hereby adopted.

SEC 2. Lead Agency . The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) is hereby directed to serve as lead agency in coordinating and monitoring the implementation of this Program. The formulation of the implementing guidelines shall be done in coordination with involved government agencies.

SEC 3. Other Agencies & Organizations. National government agencies shall develop their respective annual plans, programs and projects consistent with the Comprehensive Program Framework and in accordance with their mandates. The OPAPP shall periodically review these plans for purposes of policy and program synchronization.

Local Government Units of areas affected by armed conflict may also develop and implement complementary programs to carry out the Comprehensive Program Framework in coordination with the OPAPP.

The involvement and participation of the private/business sector, NGOs, civil organizations, church-based organizations and private volunteer organizations with services for children shall also be encouraged.

SEC 4. Funding . Funds for the implementation of this Program and its components shall be taken from the existing funds of involved agencies. All agencies involved shall ensure that actual funds, services and/or activities equivalent to at least one percent (1%) of their annual MOOE budget shall be appropriated for the implementation of this program.

The OPAPP shall likewise assist in providing funding assistance for the implementation of specific program components and other related activities consistent with its mandate, and in accordance with existing accounting and auditing regulations.

SEC 5. Effectivity . This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

Done in the City of Manila, this 26 th day of November, in the year of Our Lord, two thousand and one.

(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO

By the President:

(SGD.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary