Creation

The Philippines was one of the earlier members of the UNESCO. To be able to discharge its obligation as a Member State, the Philippine Congress passed Republic Act No. 176 in 20 June 1947 creating the National Commission on Educational, Scientific and Cultural Matters (NASESCUM). The NASESCUM served as liaison between UNESCO and the Philippine Government.

In 1951, Republic Act No. 621 as amended by RA 892 and RA 3849 was enacted establishing the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines under the Office of the President. From its traditional role of liaison, UNACOM now does more progressive, diversified and expanded work. It performs various functions as an advisory, liaison, information and executive body.

The Republic Acts stipulate the composition and the duties of the members, and the yearly budget appropriations of the Commission from the funds of the National Treasury. In June 1973, Presidential Decree No. 221 was issued attaching the National Commission to the Department of Foreign Affairs with the Department Secretary serving as Chairman.

The Chairman, in consultation with the members of the Commission who are appointed by the President of the Philippines, recommends to the President the appointment of the Secretary-General of the Commission's Secretariat.

Members of the Commission

The Commission is composed of 43 appointive and two ex-officio members who serve in honorary capacity. The appointive members come from governmental and non-governmental agencies whose work are supportive of the UNESCO goals while the ex-officio members come from the legislative body of the government who are chairmen of education committees of the upper and lower houses.

Structure of the Commission

The Commission has an Executive Committee and programme area committees. There is also a Secretariat headed by a Secretary-General (Executive Director) who acts as Secretary of the Commission and its committees or sub-committees