WHEREAS, Article 20 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child provides that œState Parties shall, in accordance with their national laws, ensure alternative care for orphaned, abandoned and neglected children ;

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 72 dated 03 February 1999 declares the first Saturday of February of every year as Adoption Consciousness Day;

WHEREAS, there is a need to call public attention to ensure nationwide awareness of the growing number of orphaned, abandoned or neglected Filipino children in need of permanent alternative wholesome family environment;

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the State to protect and strengthen the family and as such, it is only proper for the State to ensure that each child be given the chance to enjoy the sense of security, formation of identity and comfort that being part of the family may bring;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order the Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development to steer the observance of Adoption Consciousness Day.

SEC. 1. Functions and Responsibilities. - In this connection, the Secretary of Social Welfare and Development shall have the following functions and responsibilities.

1. Set directions and policies for the observance of Adoption Consciousness Day.
2. Promote appreciation and awareness of current issues/concerns on adoption.
3. Formulate, plan and implement appropriate programs and activities to ensure the successful observance of Adoption Consciousness Day.
4. Ensure the active participation of all concerned agencies and entities during the celebration.
5. Document concerns on adoption as basis for program development and policy and legislative formulation.
6. Call upon any government entity, bureau or agency including local government units and non-government organizations for their active participation and assistance.

SEC. 2. Technical and Secretariat Support. - The Department of Social Welfare and Development shall serve as the secretariat of the Secretary.

SEC. 3. Funding. - The DSWD shall include in its annual budget an amount for the celebration of Adoption Consciousness Day. Further, the DSWD may engage in resource mobilization activities as may be allowed by law to ensure the success of Adoption Consciousness Day.

SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.

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


By the President:
(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary