100 OG. No. 50, 8425 (Dec. 13, 2004)
WHEREAS, the Constitution declares as one of its
policies that the State recognizes the vital role of the youth in
nation-building and that it shall promote and protect their physical,
moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being; that the State
shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and encourage
their involvement in public and civic affairs (Article II, Section 13);
WHEREAS,
the Constitution also declares that the State shall give priority to
education in fostering patriotism and nationalism, accelerating social
progress, and promoting total human liberation and development (Article
II, Section 17);
WHEREAS, the Constitution further declares that
the State shall encourage non-governmental, community-based or sectoral
organizations that promote the welfare of the nation (Article II,
Section 23);
WHEREAS, the concerted effort of the government and
the non-governmental, community-based or sectoral organizations is
necessary to promote, among the public in general and the youth in
particular, respect of the rule of law and greater awareness and
understanding of its importance as a platform for political
reconciliation, economic progress, and national development;
WHEREAS,
promoting respect for and greater awareness and understanding of the
rule of law substantially depends on the improvement of the educational
system, particularly on the training of educators and on the adequacy of
learning materials and resources;
WHEREAS, the Department of Education fully supports the policies sought to be established herein;
NOW,
THEREFORE, I GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Republic of the
Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby
order:
SECTION 1. Declaration of Policies. The following policies are hereby established:
- Greater public understanding of and respect for the importance of the rule of law shall be promoted.
- Awareness on the role and functions of the judiciary shall be developed, especially among the youth.
- A support base to sustain long-term judicial reform shall be widened.
- Community
members, especially the youth, shall be mobilized to recognize their
stake and their responsibility for the promotion of the rule of law,
dispute resolution, and protection of their rights.
SECTION 2. Role of Educational Institutions. -
All public and private elementary and secondary schools are encouraged
to promote the rule of law through the use of educational materials such
as the Exemplar for Teachers, Students' Manual on the Rule of Law, and
Students' Digest on the Judiciary. These materials will be prepared
with the end in view of enhancing the existing curricula already
prepared by the Department of Education for both elementary and high
school students.
SECTION 3. Proficiency of Teachers. - The
Department of Education, through the DepEd Special Concerns Division,
as well as the private education institutions and non-governmental
organizations tasked with managing the program, shall conduct training
programs nationwide to enhance the skills of teachers in conflict
resolution and in teaching the rule of law and the role of the judiciary
in strengthening civil society.
SECTION 4. Implementing Authority.
- The Department of Education is hereby directed to take active steps
to ensure the implementation of this Executive Order and monitor
compliance therewith by all public and private institutions of learning
in the elementary and secondary levels.
SECTION 5. Support Mechanisms.
- The Department of Education shall secure the necessary funding
support to provide adequate learning materials and resources that will
promote and develop awareness of the rule of law and the role of the
judiciary primarily among elementary and high school students. It may
collaborate with other branches of government and institutions, such as
the judiciary, to ensure the development of appropriate materials, and
training methodologies, and evaluation measures to monitor the progress
of educators and students in achieving the policy objectives established
herein.
SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -
The Department of Education and its identified government and
non-governmental partners are hereby authorized to issue appropriate
rules and regulations for the effective implementation of the policies
established herein.
SECTION 7. Report to the President. -
Within thirty (30) days from the issuance of this Executive Order, the
Department of Education shall submit to the President a plan of action
to effectively implement the provisions of this Executive Order.
SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. -
All executive issuances, rules and regulations or parts thereof, which
are inconsistent with this Executive Order, are hereby repealed, amended
or modified accordingly.
SECTION 9. Effectivity. – This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.
City of Manila, 22 September 2004
(SGD.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(SGD.) EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary