Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bill No.__28'78

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO.

AN ACT
FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BY
CREATING LOCAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS IN EVERY CITY AND
MUNICIPALITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The process of critical decision-making by any government is deemed superficial
without the strategic participation of the youth since they are crucial in nation building
Encouraging youth involvement in both public and civic affairs must be prioritized if the
Philippines aims to become a politically and economically dynamic nation.

We are considered a very young country as compared to others with majority of
the populace being in the youth sector. It is therefore imperative that government
programs and policies take into account their impact on the youth and more importantly,
its successful implementation.

This bill seeks to create local youth development councils in every city and
municipality in the hopes to achieve this end. Among its objectives are:

a) To develop and harness the full potential of the youth as responsible partners.
in nation building;

b) To encourage intensive and active participation of youth in all government and
non-government programs, projects and activities affecting them;


©) To harmonize all government and non-government initiatives or the
development of youth sector; and

d) To supplement government appropriations for youth promotion and
development with funds from other sources;

While there are already existing enactments in favor of our youth, one of which is
R.A. 8044 or the Youth in Nation Building Act of 1995, and other youth development
mechanisms, in fact being implemented, the growing complexities of youth-related
problems and its diversified aspects concerning educational background, work
experience and societal upbringing require the creation of local councils for deeper
understanding and resolution of such issues and concerns.

No less than the National Youth Commission (NYC), despite its best efforts, has
admitted that it continues to face difficulties in the discharge of its functions given the
gargantuan task of formulating and implementing youth development initiatives on its
own. Through these proposed local councils, the Commission would be able to
facilitate programs and policies for the youth down to the grassroots level, addressing
their needs and enjoining them to actively participate in public and civic activities.

The bill humbly attempts to embody the constitutional mandate to promote and
protect the well-being of the youth.

We therefore urge our colleagues to ensure the immediate passage into law of

this proposed measure.
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DIOSDADO -APAGAL ARROYO GLORI. MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Second District, Camarines Sur Second District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2873

House Bill No.

Introduced by Representatives
DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO and GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO

AN ACT
FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM BY
CREATING LOCAL YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COUNCILS IN EVERY CITY AND
MUNICIPALITY AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Local Youth
Development Act of 2013."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to
promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social wellbeing of
Filipino youth, inculcating in them patriotism and nationalism, and encouraging their
involvement in public and civic affairs

SECTION 8. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the following term shall
mean:

1. Youth - refers to those persons whose age ranges from fifteen (15) to thirty
(30) years as provided under Republic Act No. 8044. As defined in the National
Youth Commission's medium term youth development plan, the youth shall
include, but not limited to, the following sub-sectors: In-School-Youth, Out-of-
School youth, working youth, and youth with special needs.

2. Council - refers to the Local Youth Development Council as provided herein.


3. Center ~ refers to a multipurpose or one-stop-shop facility as may be
established by the local youth coordinating Council that shall provide
development program and services to the youth

4. Commission — refers to the National Youth Commission established by virtue
of Republic Act No. 8044.

SECTION 4. Local Youth Development Council. - There shall be created a Local
Youth Development Council in every city and municipality which shall be responsible for
the formulation of policies and implementation of youth development programs, projects
and activities in their respective areas of jurisdiction in coordination with various
government and non-government organizations,

SECTION 5. Objectives. - The Council shall have the following objectives:

1, General Objectives

a) To develop and harness the fill potential of the youth as responsible
partners in nation-building;

b) To encourage intensive and active participation of youth in all
government and non-government programs, projects and activities
affecting them;

©) To harmonize all government and non-government initiatives or the
development of youth sector; and

d) To supplement government appropriations for youth promotion and
development with finds from other sources;

2. Specific Objectives:

a) To broaden and strengthen the services provided by the national
government agencies, local government units and private agencies to
young people;

b) To provide information mechanism on youth opportunities on the area
of education, employment, livelihood, physical and mental health,
capability building and networking;

©) To increase the spirit of volunteerism among the Filipino youth
particularly in the maintenance of peace and order and the preservation,
conservation and protection of the environment and natural resources
within their locality;


d) To provide monitoring and coordinating mechanisms for youth
programs, projects and activities; and

e) To provide a venue for the active participation of the youth in cultural
and eco-tourism awareness program

SECTION 6. Composition of the Council. - The Council shall be composed of the
following, to wit:

a) City or Municipal Mayor as Chairman

b) City or Municipal Program Development Officer as Member

©) City or Municipal Local Government Operations Officer as Member

d) City or Municipal Social Welfare and Development Worker as Member
e) City or Municipal Health Officer as Member

f) Schools Division Superintendent or his duly designated representative in the
locality as Member

g) Three (3) Youth Organization Representatives

1. President of the "Pambayan or Panglungsod na Pederasyon ng mga
Sangguniang Kabataan as Member

2. Federation of Youth Organizations as Member
3. Federation of Student Councils as Member

h) Two (2) Youth Serving Organization Representatives
1. Church-based as Member
2. Community-based as Member

SECTION 7. Functions of the Local youth Development Council. — The following
shall be the functions of the Local Youth Development Council:

a) To formulate policies and component programs in their respective areas of
jurisdiction in coordination with the various government agencies having youth-
related programs, projects and activities;

b) To coordinate and harmonize activities of all agencies and organizations
engaged in youth development programs in the locality;


c) To develop and provide support for the development and coordination of youth
projects and design strategies to gain support and participation of the youth;

d) To accredit sports and recreational centers, hostels, training centers and other
institutions providing services to the youth as identified in this Act;

e) To assist the national government and non-government agencies in the
promotion of programs, projects and activities in the locality;

) To assist various government and non-government agencies, in the programs,
projects and activities,

g) To conduct fund raising programs and solicitations. It may enter into contracts
with other government and non-government agencies necessary for the
accomplishment of, the objectives of this Act;

h) To recommend youth programs and project proposals to appropriate
government agencies and non-government organizations;

i) To accredit training pools for the purpose of assisting line agencies in
implementing the training and capability-building program;

}) To receive donations, bequests and contributions from any individual, non-
government agencies, both local and international;

k) To create a research team that will formulate a mechanism to come up with
Local Youth Situationer;

|) To establish youth centers as deemed necessary;

m) To monitor implementation of programs and projects at the local level to
nominate its delegate to the National Youth Parliament; and

n) To perform such other functions as may be necessary to implement the
provisions of this Act.

SECTION 8. Youth Development Plan, - The Council shall formulate and adopt a
five-year city/municipal youth development plan which shall be duly supported by an
ordinance enacted by the Sangguniang Panglungsod/Pambayan. The said plan shall
be the basis for the implementation of local youth development programs and services
in coordination with concerned agencies. These shall include, but not be limited to, the
following


A. YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

(1) Scholarship and Exchange Program — Local and international scholarships
and exchange programs, grants, and subsidies;

(2) Sports and Recreation - Trainings/conferences, seminars, sports clinics,
competitions and other sports activities;

(3) Livelihood Developments — Trainings on livelihood skills, basic business
management, formal and non-formal skills, market linkaging, business
development, value orientation, credit facility and job placement sourcing;

(4) Training and Capability Building Programs — Leadership, advocacy, value
formation, governance, entrepreneurship, information technology and other
relevant programs;

(6) Youth Cooperatives - Organization of youth cooperatives, technical
assistance and financial support from appropriate government agencies; and

(6) Culture and the Arts - Cultural programs and activities, workshops, art
classes

B, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

(1) Information Resource Services — Internet, E-mail, websites and the like,
materials and information on job opportunities, scholarships, trainings, local and
international linkaging and networking, and copies of all Laws, Executive Orders,
Presidential Decrees. Rules, Regulations and other issuances pertinent to the
youth sector, including youth-related measures filed in both Houses of Congress;

(2) Adolescent Health - Counseling, Services, Orientation, Seminars, Trainings
on health-related matters, and referrals to appropriate government clinics,
hospitals, rural health units and institutions;

(3) Youth Hostels and Training Center Facilities — Access to hostels, dormitories,
affiliated half-way houses, temporary shelter and training centers;

(4) Legal Assistance - Access to free or affordable legal services such as
counseling, advice, court hearings, preparation of legal documents, and referrals
to appropriate agencies;

(8) Eco-Tourism — Promotional campaign designed to promote local tourism
destinations, and information on travel guides, seminars, conferences, and other
similar activities;


SECTION 9. Local Youth Consultation/Congress. - The Council shall convene a
local youth congress or conduct consultations with the youth at least once a year. All
resolutions, declarations and proceedings of the local youth congress/consultations
shall be submitted to the Council for appropriate action.

SECTION 10. Meeting of the Council, - The Council shall meet at least once a
month or as often as it may deem necessary. The Chairman or his duly designated
Convenor shall preside in all Council meetings.

SECTION 11. Reportorial Requirement. - The Council shall submit the
semiannual accomplishment reports, including youth situationer in their respective
localities, to the National Youth Commission through the Office of the President of the
"Pambansang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan."

The President of the "Pambansang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan"
shall consolidate and evaluate the accomplishment reports submitted by all concerned
Councils. It shall likewise submit the Councils’ situationer reports to the National Youth
Commission for appropriate action

The National Youth Commission shall consolidate, evaluate and assess the
Councils' Youth situationer report as basis for the preparation of a national youth
situationer pursuant to Section 3 of R.A. No. 8044

SECTION 12. Youth Center. - The Local Youth Development Council may
establish a Youth Center which shall be located in the city or municipal proper. The
Youth Center shall operate as a multi-purpose center or a one-stop-shop facility.

For this purpose, the Council may assign, designate, detail, or appoint a center
coordinator and, whenever necessary, additional personnel to assist the center
coordinator.

SECTION 13. Roles, Duties and Responsibilities of Government Agencies. - The
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), Department of Education (DepED), Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Health (DOH),
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Justice
(DOJ), Department of Tourism (DOT), Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), National Computer Center (NCC), National
Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA), National Economic Development Authority
(NEDA), National Youth Commission, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other government agencies
with youth development programs shall be mandated to perform the following

(1) To establish youth desk and designate a focal person in all their existing focal
offices who shall facilitate and expedite the delivery of youth-related programs


and services in their respective offices. In the absence of local offices, such
agencies shall designate a focal person in their respective national offices; and

(2) To provide prototype Information Education Communication (IEC) materials in
the barangay centers.

SECTION 14. Discount Privileges. - To inculcate in the youth the ideals of self-
development in the areas of education, arts, culture, sports and recreation the youth
shall be granted discount privileges as follows

1) Ten percent (10%) discount from transportation services by air, sea, railway
transportation system, and land except jeepneys, tricycles and other similar
public utility vehicles that do not issue fare tickets;

2) A minimum of ten percent (10%) discount from hotels and similar lodging
establishments, recreation and sports centers;

3) A minimum of ten percent (10%) discount on admission fees charged by
theaters, concert halls, museums, parks, and other similar places of culture, arts,
history and education.

Provided, That private establishments may claim the cost as tax deductions as
defined under Section 16 of this Act

For purposes of this Section, only youth whose age ranges from fifteen (15) to
twenty one (21) years old shall be entitled to discount privileges.

SECTION 15. Youth Identification Card. - To avail of the services and discounts
in various establishments nationwide, the Council shall issue Youth Identification Card:
Provided, That the Council may designate a committee that shall evaluate and process
the application forms. Qualified youth cardholders shall present their individual
Community Tax Certificate as a requirement for the issuance of their identification cards
and may be required to pay the actual cost of the identification cards.

SECTION 16. Tax Incentives to Private Establishment. — To encourage popular
participation of establishments providing discounts to youth, all private establishments
may claim the cost as tax deductions: Provided, That such tax deduction scheme shall
be determined by the Department of Finance.

SECTION 17. Tax Deduction or Exemption of Donations and Contributions. — All
donations and contributions to the Council in support of its continuing youth
development programs shall be exempt from the donor's taxes and shall be deductible
in full in the computation of the taxable net income of the donor.


SECTION 18. Responsibility of the City/Municipal Mayor. — It shall be the
responsibility of the local chief executive in their respective city or municipality to ensure
that the provisions of this Act are implemented to its fullest.

SECTION 19. Penalties. — All establishments which shall not comply with the
provisions of Section 14 of this Act shall be punished by imprisonment not exceeding
one (1) year or a fine not exceeding Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or both. if the
offender is a corporation, partnership or any juridical person, the penalty shall be
imposed upon the president, owner or any responsible officer.

In case of two (2) or more violations, suspension or revocation of license or
permit to engage in business shall be imposed when so warranted by the
circumstances.

SECTION 20. Appropriations. - The amount necessary to carry out the
provisions of this Act shall be included in the budget of the National Youth Commission
and concerned government agencies in the annual General Appropriations Act of the
year following its enactment into law and thereafter.

Each city/municipality shall likewise appropriate the amount necessary for the
continued operation of the Council and for the sustainability of its youth development
programs and services.

SECTION 21, Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The National Youth
Commission, in coordination with League of Cities, League of Municipalities,
"Pambansang Pederasyon ng mga Sangguniang Kabataan", concerned committees of
both Houses of Congress and other concerned agencies shall formulate the
implementing rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act within ninety
(90) days from its approval.

SECTION 22. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other
provisions hereof.

SECTION 23. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
regulations and other issuances or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are
hereby repealed, amended, or modified.

SECTION 24. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,