Executive Order No. 709
MALACAÑANG
MANILA
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 709
REDEFINING THE FUNCTIONS AND ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF THE NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE
WELFARE OF DISABLED PERSONS WHICH IS RENAMED AS THE NATIONAL COUNCIL ON DISABILITY
AFFAIRS AND ATTACHED TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT, AND AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE
EXECUTIVE ORDER 676 (2007) AND EXECUTIVE ORDER 232 (1987)
WHEREAS, the United Nations General Assembly adopted on 6 December 2006 the Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities under Resolution A/61/611 which recognizes the need to promote
and protect the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all persons with disabilities, and to promote
the inherent dignity including those who require more intensive support;
WHEREAS, the Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities was also
adopted by the United Nations General Assembly at its 48th session on 20 December 1993 by virtue of
Resolution 48/96 to ensure that persons with disabilities exercise the same rights and obligation as
others, and to recognize the principles and policy guidelines in influencing the promotion, formulation
and evaluation of policies, plans, programs and actions at the national, regional and international levels
to further equalize the opportunities for persons with disabilities;
WHEREAS, the World Programme of Action Concerning Disabled Persons was adopted by the United
National General Assembly on 3 December 1982 by virtue of Resolution 37/52 to promote effective
measures for the prevention of disability, rehabilitation and the realization of the goals of “full
participation― of persons with disabilities in social life and development, and of “equality―;
WHEREAS, the existing policy of the United Nations on disability provides the establishment of an office
on disability affairs that should be under and attached to the highest office of the respective
governments to facilitate coordination and monitoring of all matters attendant thereto;
WHEREAS, the 1987 Philippine Constitution Article 13, Section 13 mandates the state to establish a
special agency for persons with disabilities for their rehabilitation, self-development and self-reliance,
and their integration into the mainstream of society;
WHEREAS, Republic Act 9442, Republic Act 7277 and Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 all provided the need for
a strong agency to monitor and advocate the implementation of the programs and services for disabled
persons of government agencies.
WHEREAS, Presidential Decree No. 1509 created the National Commission Concerning Disabled Persons
to provide persons with disability the fullest measure of protection and assistance to develop their
abilities;
WHEREAS, E.O. 232, Series of 1987 provided for the structural and functional reorganization of the
National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons (NCWDP);