President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has issued Administrative Order No. 172 creating the National Committee on Social Integration (NCSI) that would "implement the Social Integration Program for rebel groups."

In signing the administrative order last March 23, the President said the creation of the NCSI was in line with the government’s "comprehensive peace process agenda that calls for a principled negotiated settlement with all armed rebel groups under the Rule of Law and in accordance with the Constitutional processes."

A.O. 172 defines social integration as the "process involving the management of forces, arms and ammunition of former rebels and their transition to civilian life." It is considered an integral part of the peace process and post-conflict security reform, and as essential confidence and peace building measure.

The President noted that the Social Integration Program (SIP) requires the "convergence of efforts between and among non-government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders."

Created under the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), the NCSI has the following functions and responsibilities:

• To provide overall policy direction as well as to manage, coordinate, monitor and evaluate the implementation of the Social Integration Program, including the amnesty program;

• To update the policy framework and guidelines as appropriate or as the need arises; and

• To tap funding/donor agencies, both domestic and international, for technical assistance and financial support for the SIP.

To be headed by an OPAPP undersecretary, the NCSI shall be composed of representatives of the following government departments/agencies as members: Office of the National Security Adviser, Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Foreign Affairs.

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