The UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM) serves as a vehicle for promoting UNESCO’s ideals, programmes, and activities aimed at creating a society where each individual can live and work in dignity and participate fully in the country’s development. It is the primary enabling agency in maximizing Philippine engagement in UNESCO and in advancing UNESCO programs in the Philippines.

Helen joined the Commission in 2001, initially in-charge of the Education, Youth and Communication programmes then later served as Overall Coordinator of all UNESCO Programme areas that include Culture, Social and Natural Sciences.

Established in 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. UNESCO’s mission is to contribute to the building of a culture of peace, the eradication of poverty, sustainable development and intercultural dialogue through education, the sciences, culture, communication and information. en.unesco.org/

Republic Act 621 (amended by Republic Act 892 and 3849) created the UNESCO National Commission of the Philippines (UNACOM). The Commission is composed of 45 members appointed by the President of the Republic of the Philippines. The Commission has five Programme Committees representing UNESCO’s fields of competence: 1) Education; 2) Science and Technology; 3) Culture; 4) Social and Human Sciences; 5) Communication and its work is facilitated by the Secretariat headed by Secretary-General. unesco.gov.ph/