Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6972)
Republic Act No. 6972 is known as the "Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act."
The policy is to defend the right of children to assistance, proper care, and nutrition, and to provide special protection against neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development.
The program covers Filipino children up to six (6) years of age.
Parental consent is required, except in cases of abused, neglected, or exploited children where consent is not needed.
Key components include monitoring birth registration and immunizations, growth and nutritional monitoring, care for children of working mothers, intellectual and mental stimulation activities, sanctuary for abused children, referral system for prenatal and neonatal care, and community support networks.
The barangay is responsible for implementing the program, with support from the sangguniang barangay and private volunteers.
The DSWD formulates selection criteria for day care workers, coordinates NGO activities, and protects and assists abused, neglected, or exploited children.
Funding comes from the national budget included in the Department of Social Welfare and Development's appropriations, financial assistance from provinces, cities, or municipalities, and official foreign aid or debt arrangements as determined by the Office of the President.
Barangay day care workers receive a monthly allowance of not less than Five hundred pesos (P500.00), charged to the DSWD's annual appropriations.
The Act took effect upon its approval and completion of its publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.