Law Summary
Coverage and Program Framework
- Program targets children up to six (6) years old with parental consent, except in cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Includes monitoring birth registrations and immunizations against diseases like tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, measles, and poliomyelitis.
- Incorporates growth and nutritional monitoring plus supplementary feeding and supervision at home.
- Provides daytime care for children of working mothers, including night care when feasible through supervised networks of homes.
- Establishes surrogate mothers-teachers to stimulate intellectual and mental development and facilitate wholesome recreation.
- Provides sanctuary services for abused, neglected, or exploited children either through institutions or sanctuary homes.
- Includes referral and support for prenatal, neonatal, and delivery care with high-risk cases referred to specialized services.
- Maintains vigilance against illegal abortions and untrained birth attendants, ensuring training and referral for risky pregnancies.
- Builds a support network within the barangay for total child development and protection.
Implementation Responsibilities of Barangay
- Barangay tasked with program implementation.
- Sangguniang barangay may enlist private volunteers to assist in child care and consult on medical, educational, and other child-related services.
Role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Formulates selection, training, and accreditation standards for barangay day care workers.
- Coordinates NGO activities to complement program goals.
- Protects and assists abused, neglected, or exploited children and facilitates government assistance.
Funding Provisions
- Funding for barangay day care centers included in the national budget under DSWD.
- Local government units (province, city, municipality) provide financial support for barangay centers in their areas.
- Accredited day care workers receive a monthly allowance of no less than P500 from DSWD appropriations.
- Funding implementation costs appropriated starting following the law's enactment.
- Portions of official foreign aid or debt-related health funds may support the day care centers as determined by the Office of the President.
Legal Conformity
- All laws, rules, orders, or regulations conflicting with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval and publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.