Powers and Compensation of Key Officials
- The Bureau shall have powers similar to other Government Bureaus.
- A Director and an Assistant Director shall be appointed.
- Annual compensation of the Director shall not exceed five thousand pesos; that of the Assistant Director, four thousand pesos.
- These officials may be provided with subsistence, quarters, and other contingent services as sanctioned by the Department Head.
Powers, Duties, and Functions of the Bureau
- Care and Education of Needy Children: Provide orphaned or needy children with care, education, and training in a useful trade at suitable institutions until they can earn a living.
- The Director acts as the legal guardian of all children under care.
- Care for Invalid Children: Provide necessary care for children who are invalids by birth or disease or need institutional treatment.
- Reformation and Correction of Minors: Care for, educate, reform, and correct minors admitted or committed by courts; discharge only with court's knowledge and consent.
- Investigative Authority: Authorized to make investigations and seek assistance or information from authorities or police officers, who are duty-bound to assist.
- Educational Curriculum and Certification: Schools under the Bureau must adopt curricula as prescribed by the Director of Education, ensuring certificates have the same recognition as other Government schools.
- Supervision and Control Over Similar Institutions: The Bureau supervises and controls Insular, provincial, municipal, and chartered city institutions with the same purposes.
Funding and Financial Provisions
- Necessary expenses for land acquisition, construction, and equipment shall be determined and authorized in the appropriations for 1920 and subsequent years.
- The Secretary of Commerce and Communications may authorize initial expenses to facilitate preliminary work including plans and land acquisition.
Authorization for Operation and Fund Allocation
- The Secretary of the Interior is empowered to authorize the Bureau's operations and execution of the Act’s provisions as circumstances require.
- The Emergency Board and Public Welfare Board may grant funds as requested by the Secretary of the Interior to support the Bureau.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect immediately upon its approval on March 4, 1919.