497 1 dectrust.txt JOHN HANCOCK DECLARATION TRUST John Hancock Declaration Funds Supplement to the Prospectus dated May 1, 2001 John Hancock V.A. Strategic Income Fund The "Portfolio Managers" section for the John Hancock V.A. Strategic Income Fund has been changed as follows: PORTFOLIO MANAGERS Frederick L. Cavanaugh, Jr. Senior vice president of adviser Joined fund team in 1996 Joined adviser in 1986 Began business career in 1975 Arthur N. Calavritinos, CFA Vice president of adviser Joined fund team in 1996 Joined adviser in 1988 Began business career in 1986 Daniel S. Janis Second vice president of adviser Joined fund team in 1999 Joined adviser in 1999 Senior risk manager at BankBoston (1997-1998) Manager of forward desk at Morgan Stanley (1991-1997) Began business career in 1984 John Hancock V.A. High Yield Bond Fund The "Portfolio Managers" section for the John Hancock V.A. High Yield Bond Fund has been changed as follows: PORTFOLIO MANAGERS Arthur N. Calavritinos, CFA Vice president of adviser Joined fund team in 1998 Joined adviser in 1988 Began business career in 1986 Frederick L. Cavanaugh, Jr. Senior vice president of adviser Joined fund team in 1998 Joined adviser in 1986 Began business career in 1975 10/15/00