Law Summary
Key Definitions
- Defines terms such as:
- Child: Persons below 18 or those unable to care for themselves due to disabilities.
- Child with Special Needs: Children with developmental or physical disabilities.
- Child-Friendly Spaces: Safe areas for play, learning, health, and psychosocial support.
- Civil Registry Documents, CSOs, Disasters, Emergencies, Hazards, Orphans, Separated and Unaccompanied Children, State of Calamity, Transitional Shelter.
Comprehensive Emergency Program for Children
- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to develop a strategic program.
- Program includes:
- Establishment of evacuation centers prioritizing child safety.
- Transitional shelters for vulnerable children and mothers.
- Immediate provision of health, nutrition, and basic necessities.
- Security measures against abuse, trafficking, and exploitation led by PNP and AFP.
- Delivery of health and psychosocial services coordinated by DOH.
- Prompt resumption of educational services by DepED.
- Creation of child-friendly spaces by local government units.
- Promotion of children's rights and participation in disaster risk reduction.
Evacuation Center Use and Limitations
- Schools and child development centers used only if no alternatives exist.
- Use of classrooms is a last resort and should be temporary.
- LGUs must document and report prolonged use of school facilities for evacuation.
- Education Department to monitor safety and condition of temporary learning spaces.
Care for Orphaned, Separated, and Unaccompanied Children
- DSWD to establish guidelines for family tracing and reunification.
- Placement in licensed residential care or foster families if family care unavailable.
- Licensed social workers should manage cases and interventions.
Restoration of Civil Registry Documents
- Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to restore or reconstruct vital documents lost in disasters.
- Facilitates access to social services and family reunification.
- Registration of children born during calamities also covered.
Training of Emergency Responders on Child Protection
- National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to lead child-responsive training.
- Training to include assessment of child needs and psychosocial support.
- Agencies shall mainstream child protection in emergency trainings.
Data Collection, Monitoring, and Reporting
- Mandated agencies to monitor program implementation and submit annual reports to Congress.
- Disaggregated data by age, gender, ethnicity, and special needs for effective response.
- Immediate post-calamity reports within five days covering surveillance efforts.
Appropriations and Funding
- Initial funding from current appropriations of involved agencies.
- Continued funding included in annual General Appropriations Act.
- Local governments to use Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF).
Implementation and Rules
- DSWD to promulgate implementing rules within 90 days.
- Coordination with relevant government agencies and child-focused organizations required.
Legal Interpretation and Miscellaneous Provisions
- Law to be liberally construed in favor of the child's best interest.
- Severability clause to uphold unaffected provisions if some parts are invalidated.
- Repeals conflicting laws or regulations.
- Effectivity mandate: 15 days post-publication in Official Gazette or general newspaper.