Law Summary
Mandate for Provision of Day Care Services
- All National Government Agencies and Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations (GOCCs) are required to provide day care services.
- Coverage specifically includes children five years old and below.
- Services must be accessible either within office facilities or in areas acceptable to the parents.
- Targets children of employees without competent household help.
Objectives of Day Care Services
- Ensure proper care and nutrition for physical fitness.
- Promote development of social, mental, and intellectual skills.
- Foster spiritual, socio-cultural, and nationalistic values.
- Provide substitute parenting and protect children from neglect, abuse, and exploitation during parents' working hours.
Role of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
- Lead agency responsible for formulation of implementing guidelines.
- Tasked to disseminate guidelines within one month of the Executive Order's approval.
- Provides technical assistance via training, assessment, and monitoring in collaboration with relevant agencies.
- Responsible for licensing and accrediting day care services, facilities, and workers.
Funding Mechanisms
- Day care services expenses to be charged to Gender and Development (GAD) funds.
- GAD funds sourced from Employees’ Suggestions and Incentives Awards System (ESIAS) funds for human resource development.
- Possibility to mobilize resources from non-government, private, and international agencies.
- Coordination with DSWD for development of materials, facility improvements, and curriculum enrichment.
Legal Effectivity
- The Executive Order is effective immediately upon issuance.
- Enforced to promote employee welfare and optimize workforce productivity by addressing child care needs.