Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA OF 
THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The youth are the nation’s most valuable resource, embodying the promise of our country’s 
future. However, a significant portion of our young people remain outside the formal education 
system, lacking stable employment or training opportunities. These Out-of-School Youth 
(OSY)—also referred to internationally as Youth Not in Education, Employment, or Training 
(NEET)—face heightened risks of poverty, social exclusion, and diminished life prospects. 
Addressing their needs is not only a matter of social justice but also a strategic investment in 
national development. 
The National Youth Commission (NYC), pursuant to its mandate under Republic Act No. 
8044 or the “Youth in Nation-Building Act,” has identified the passage of a Magna Carta of the 
Out-of-School Youth as the top legislative priority in the Philippine Youth Development Plan 
2023–2028. This bill represents the culmination of extensive multi-sector consultations, including 
focus group discussions with over 300 OSY representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, 
and a writeshop involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and international 
development partners. 
This proposed measure establishes a comprehensive rights-based framework for protecting, 
empowering, and enabling OSYs to reintegrate into society as productive citizens. Among its salient 
provisions are: 
August 13, 2025
3:41 pm
3704


1. Recognition and Protection of Rights – Ensuring OSYs are free from discrimination and
are given preferential treatment in access to education, employment, health care, and social
services.
2. Clear and Standardized Definition of OSY – Adopting the NEET framework while
retaining the term “OSY” to maintain public understanding and legislative continuity.
3. Prevention and Early Intervention – Identifying Children-at-Risk of Becoming OSY and
implementing measures to keep them in school.
4. Access to Education and Training – Mandating technical-vocational education, reserving at
least 5% of CHED scholarships for OSYs, and streamlining requirements for admission.
5. Employment and Livelihood Opportunities – Providing tax incentives to employers who
hire OSYs and facilitating entrepreneurship programs through the DTI and other agencies.
6. Health and Social Protection – Ensuring access to comprehensive health services and
targeted support for OSYs in especially difficult circumstances.
7. Local and National Coordination – Establishing OSY databases at the local level,
integrating OSY concerns in development plans, and creating an OSY Coordination Council
to harmonize interventions.
8. Community Engagement – Institutionalizing OSY representation in local youth councils
and ensuring their participation in governance and program design.
9. Integrity Safeguards – Implementing penalties for falsification of OSY status or
certification to protect resources from misuse.
The ultimate objective of this measure is the eradication of the OSY classification, ensuring
that no Filipino youth is left without access to learning, livelihood, and life opportunities. It contains 
a sunset provision rendering the Act inoperative once no OSYs have been identified for three 
consecutive years, with automatic reinstatement should any new OSY be reported. 
In line with the constitutional mandate to promote the welfare of the youth and the State’s 
duty to provide equal opportunities for all, the passage of this bill will not only address the urgent 
plight of our OSYs but also harness their potential for nation-building. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought. 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List 


Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
House Bill No. _____________ 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
Introduced by Representative 
BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE MAGNA CARTA 
OF THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL YOUTH 
CHAPTER I 
GENERAL PROVISIONS 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the “Magna Carta of the 
Out-of-School Youth.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. – Article II, Section 11 of the Constitution provides 
that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for 
human rights. Pursuant to the aforementioned mandate, the State recognizes the rights of 
the out-of-school youth (OSY) to social protection and to the development of their full 
potential as partners in nation-building. 
SECTION 3. Objectives. – The objectives of this Act are as follows: 
a) To recognize, protect, and promote the rights of the OSYs;
3704


b)​ To encourage, empower, and enable OSYs to contribute to nation-building; 
c)​ To give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the OSYs by 
providing learning and employment opportunities as well as the needed social 
services and interventions with the goal of becoming self-reliant; 
d)​ To provide OSYs with the opportunity to learn and practice their culture without 
fear of discrimination; 
e)​ To recognize the important role of the private sector in improving the welfare of 
the OSYs and to actively seek their partnership; 
f)​ To return to formal or non-formal education as the primary intervention, if the 
OSY is below 18 years of age; and 
 


g)​ To implement policies and programs with the ultimate goal of creating a nation 
whereby no youth can be classified as an OSY. 
 
 
CHAPTER II 
DEFINITION OF TERMS 
 
SECTION 4. Alternative Learning System (ALS) – refers to a parallel learning system 
in the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction and 
equivalent pathways to basic education. It includes both the non-formal and informal 
sources of knowledge and skills. 
 
SECTION 5. Out-of-School Youth (OSY) – refers to a member of the population aged 
fifteen (15) to thirty years (30) old who is not gainfully and sustainably employed, has 
not been enrolled in an educational institution within the immediately preceding period of 
at least six months, and has not completed formal or non-formal secondary or technical 
vocational education. They can also be referred to as Youth Not in Education, 
Employment or Training (NEET). 
 
Employment shall be considered gainful and sustainable if the individual has maintained 
employment for a continuous period of at least six months while being paid a living 
wage. 
 
SECTION 6. Children-at-Risk of Becoming OSY (CRB-OSY) – refers to those within 
schooling age below 18 years old who are at risk to become an OSY due to factors 
including but not limited to: 
a.​ Family income is below the poverty threshold; 
b.​ Solo parent family; 
c.​ Youth abandoned or neglected by their parents; 
 


d.​ Consistently absent and unenrolled youth for long periods of time, especially 
pregnant girls and teenage parents; and 
e.​ Former OSY. 
 
The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and 
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall identify 
additional factors that shall be considered in determining who may qualify as 
Children-at-Risk of Becoming OSY (CRB-OSY). 
 
SECTION 7. Out-of-School Youth from Especially Difficult Circumstances - refers to 
OSYs who are in especially difficult circumstances such as victims of sexual, physical, 
mental, and economic abuse, illegal recruitment, prostitution, trafficking, armed conflict, 
hit by natural disasters and man-made calamities, persons with disabilities (PWD), OSYs 
in conflict with the law, displaced due to the implementation of government regulations, 
and such other related circumstances which have caused functional incapacity in society. 
 
SECTION 8. Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) – refers to the 
education or training process designed at post-secondary and lower tertiary levels, 
officially recognized as non-degree programs aimed at preparing technicians, 
paraprofessionals and other categories of middle-level workers by providing them with a 
broad range of general education, theoretical, scientific and technological studies, and 
related job skills training. 
 
SECTION 9. TVET Graduate – refers to a student or trainee who has completed the 
requirements set for a TESDA-registered TVET course or program. 
 
 
 
CHAPTER III 
 


RIGHTS 
 
SECTION 10. Human Rights of Out-of-School Youth. – An OSY shall enjoy, without 
discrimination, all rights provided for in the Constitution, Philippine laws, ordinances, 
duly promulgated issuances, and those rights recognized under international instruments 
duly ratified by the Philippines and generally accepted principles of international law. 
 
SECTION 11. Non-Discrimination. – OSYs shall be protected against any 
discriminatory practice on the sole basis of their status as such. This shall include any 
discriminatory practice that shall hinder or otherwise minimize their participation in or 
access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, healthcare, justice, local governance, 
community-building, and other services. 
 
SECTION 12. Representation. – OSYs shall have the right to be dignifiedly represented 
within the appropriate government structure, non-government bodies, and other 
concerned private entities. The sector’s issues and concerns shall also have the right of 
representation in media, film, and such other platforms as may be present. 
 
SECTION 13. Special Protection. – OSYs shall have the right to be protected from 
violence and all forms of abuse, such as sexual, emotional, mental, economical, and 
physical abuse, illegal recruitment, prostitution, trafficking, and armed conflict. 
Furthermore, CRB-OSYs and OSYs in especially difficult circumstances shall be 
provided with services and interventions as necessary. 
 
SECTION 14. Recognition and Preservation of Cultural Identity and Integrity. – 
The rights of Moro OSY and of OSY belonging to indigenous cultural communities to 
practice, promote, protect, and preserve their own culture, traditions, and institutions and 
to consider these rights in the formulation and implementation of national policies and 
programs shall be upheld. Institutions should provide access to educational opportunity 
 


skills training, ALS and livelihood programs that are culturally relevant and sensitive to 
their unique circumstances 
 
Provided, these cultural systems and practices do not discriminate against other OSYs 
who do not belong to the Moro or Indigenous Peoples. 
 
SECTION 15. Preferential Treatment. – In order to achieve societal equity, 
economically marginalized OSYs and OSY from especially difficult circumstances, shall 
receive the right to preferential treatment in terms of the creation and implementation of 
policies, programs, and projects, with reference to the following: 
 
a)​ Education. OSYs shall have the right to be provided access to formal, informal, 
and non-formal learning opportunities, including but not limited to, scholarship 
programs, alternative education programs, vocational training, skills development, 
and literacy programs. Further, support shall also be provided to facilitate the 
reintegration of OSYs into formal or non-formal educational pathways. 
 
b)​ Employment. OSYs shall have the right to decent work and general labor 
standards, a framework for maintaining order, promoting safety, and ensuring 
ethical conduct in the workplace, after completing the ALS or TVET. 
Furthermore, OSYs have the right to be protected against extremely hazardous and 
exploitative labor practices. 
 
c)​ Entrepreneurship. OSYs shall have the right to be provided with support for 
business development through policies, projects, and programs, including but not 
limited to, programs involving training, mentorship, and financial assistance to 
support the entrepreneurial endeavors of OSYs. 
 


d)​ Engagement. OSYs shall have the right to exercise active citizenship, including 
but not limited to, community building and governance, civic engagement, 
volunteerism, and leadership development. Such participation shall be encouraged 
and supported through relevant policies, projects, and programs. 
 
e)​ Health. OSYs shall have the right to access comprehensive health services, 
including physical, mental, and reproductive health care. This shall include, but 
shall not be limited to, available and affordable health services tailored to the 
needs of OSYs, including counseling, preventive care, and other forms of 
psychosocial support. 
 
f)​ Social Services. OSYs shall be protected from systemic vulnerabilities and 
challenges, and shall have the right to the development and implementation of 
social services. 
 
 
CHAPTER IV 
PREVENTION 
 
SECTION 16. Formal and Non-formal Education Institutions. – Formal and 
non-formal educational institutions shall, at the end of every semester, identify students 
who may qualify as CRB-OSYs and report to their respective LGUs and DepEd, TESDA, 
or CHED, as applicable. Data collected will strictly be used only for the benefit of 
CRB-OSYs or OSYs. 
 
Private and Public formal and non-formal educational institutions shall promulgate 
internal guidelines for a referral system for CRB-OSYs, which shall include guidance 
counseling, career development support, and referral to ALS and TVET courses. 
 


SECTION 17. Local Government Units – Local Government Units (LGUs), through 
the Local School Boards, in collaboration with the Public Employment Service Offices 
(PESOs), shall develop a OSY Reporting Mechanism that shall allow stakeholders in 
formal and non-formal educational institutions to identify students who may qualify as 
CRB-OSYs. 
 
SECTION 18. Local OSY Database, Reporting, and Monitoring - Local 
Governments, through the Local Youth Development Officer (LYDO) and Sangguniang 
Kabataan Councils, shall identify and track the number of OSYs and CRB-OSYs within 
their jurisdiction. The database shall be based on, including but not limited to, the 
Katipunan ng Kabataan Barangay Profiling, OSY Reporting Mechanism, data collected 
by formal and non-formal educational institutions, the Public Employment Service Office 
of the Department of Labor and Employment, and local Social Welfare Development 
Office in full compliance of Republic Act No. 10173 or the “Data Privacy Act”. The 
database shall be submitted to NYC on an annual basis. 
 
The report should also be presented to the Local and Regional Development Council 
meetings for intervention and monitoring. 
 
SECTION 19. Local Government Support for CRB-OSY - LGUs, through the Local 
School Boards, may allocate their Special Education Fund Tax to assist CRB-OSYs in 
their database including but not limited to: 
a)​ Subsidy to pay for their school fees; 
b)​ Provision of transportation allowance; 
c)​ Provision of meals allowance; 
d)​ Provision for textbook and materials allowance and 
e)​ Subsidy for training expenses 
 


Furthermore, LGUs, with formal and non-formal educational institutions, shall develop 
and implement programs that will prevent the increase and likelihood of OSYs including, 
but not limited to issues on teenage pregnancies, early parenthood, early marriages, 
mental health, discrimination, and bullying. 
 
SECTION 20. Sexual and Reproductive Health Education - Formal and non-formal 
educational institutions shall provide age appropriate sexual and reproductive health 
education to CRB-OSY, OSYs, and youth in general. 
 
SECTION 21. Protection Against Discriminatory Practices – Formal and non-formal 
educational institutions shall not dismiss or prohibit the enrollment of youth for the sole 
reason of their early pregnancy and youth parenthood. These institutions shall develop a 
special curriculum to allow the continued schooling of pregnant children, pregnant 
adolescents, and youth parents. Sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, 
religious belief, and indigenous and cultural traditions of OSYs and the youth shall also 
be protected and no institution shall use it as a basis for any disciplinary action, 
suspension, refusal of admission, or expulsion from any educational institution or 
program. 
 
SECTION 22. Government Agencies – The Department of Education, Commission on 
Higher Education, Technical Education And Skills Development Authority, National 
Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Department of Labor and Employment, Commission 
on Population, Department of Health, and the Department of Social Welfare and 
Development shall develop and conduct other programs to support CRB-OSYs. 
 
Furthermore, DSWD shall consider the inclusion of households or institutions housing 
CRB-OSY in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. 
 


 
CHAPTER V 
GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT 
 
SECTION 23. Government Assistance. - The National Government, through its 
agencies and instrumentalities shall provide the following: 
a.​
Education - The DepEd, TESDA, and the CHED, in consultation with the 
non-government organizations (NGOs), shall institute programs and implement 
policies that will ensure access of OSYs to formal and non-formal education; 
 
b.​
Health - The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with local 
government units (LGUs) and NGOs, shall institute a national health program and 
provide an integral health service for OSYs; 
 
c.​
Social Service and Social Protection - The Department of Social Welfare 
and Development (DSWD), in cooperation with the LGUs, NGOs, and other 
relevant stakeholders shall develop and implement programs on social services for 
out-of-school youth while the National Anti-Poverty Commission and concerned 
agencies shall institute for the OSYs policies and programs that seek to reduce 
poverty and vulnerability to risks by mandating their employers to provide 
mandatory life, accident, and health insurance coverage. 
 
d.​
Employment - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in 
coordination with other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and 
Industry (DTI) and TESDA, shall assess, design, and implement training programs 
that will provide skills and welfare or livelihood support for OSYs. 
 


SECTION 24. Local Government Support for OSY - LGUs, through the Local School 
Boards, may allocate their Special Education Fund Tax, in addition to other sources of 
funds, to assist OSYs in their database including but not limited to: 
f)​ Subsidy to pay for their school fees, provided ; 
g)​ Provision of transportation allowance; 
h)​ Provision of meals allowance; 
i)​ Provision for textbook and materials allowance and 
j)​ Support for training materials expenses 
 
LGUs shall identify a percentage of their available scholarships reserved for OSY and 
CRB-OSY, provided that, no LGU shall allocate no lower than 30% of its scholarships to 
OSYs. 
 
SECTION 25. Consideration and Integration of OSY in Development Plans and 
Frameworks. - The issue of OSY shall be considered and integrated in the different 
development plans and frameworks of the identified government agencies and local 
government units, such as but not limited to the Comprehensive Barangay Youth 
Development Plan, Local Youth Development Plan, Philippine Development Plan, and 
the Philippine Youth Development Plan. 
 
SECTION 26. Certification of OSY Status. - A certification from the Barangay, 
Sangguniang Kabataan, or formal and non-formal educational institutions shall be the 
basis for OSYs to avail of programs, benefits, and privileges provided to OSY. This 
certification shall be free of charge. Failure to provide certification shall be considered a 
violation of this Act and punished under the penalties provided hereof. 
 


 
CHAPTER VI 
MANDATORY TECHNICAL AND 
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION 
 
SECTION 27. Alternative Learning System. – DepEd shall make ALS widely 
available, accessible, and free of charge to OSYs to earn and complete their basic and 
secondary education. Educational institutions shall not withhold requirements for 
enrollment in ALS, such as but not limited to the academic or training records of students 
who dropped out of school. Completion of the ALS program shall amount to earning the 
equivalent level in formal education, as mandated by Republic Act No. 11510 or the 
“Alternative Learning System Act.” 
 
DepEd shall ensure that all Accreditation and Equivalency Programs (A&E Program) as 
mandated by the Alternative Learning System Act are fully functional within two (2) 
years from the passage of this law. A mandatory review of the A&E Program shall be 
implemented upon every major update of the Basic Education Curriculum. 
 
For OSYs who are under the care and custody of a home or an institution managed or 
accredited by DSWD and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the 
latter shall coordinate with the DepEd for the provision of an ALS within its premises. 
 
SECTION 28. TESDA Support. The TESDA shall prioritize and provide technical and 
vocational education services to OSYs free of charge. TESDA shall accept ALS 
certification of completion as proof of reaching equivalent level in formal education as 
the basis for admission. TESDA shall assign officials and staff at the central and local 
levels to develop, implement, promote, and monitor technical or vocational education 
opportunities for OSYs. 
 


SECTION 29. Promotion to Formal Tertiary Education. – Upon completion of basic 
education in either formal or non-formal institutions, DepEd or LGUs shall endorse 
OSYs who are interested in pursuing formal tertiary education to CHED. CHED shall 
ensure that at least 5% of the total scholarships provided shall be reserved to OSYs, 
provided, this percentage shall be reviewed and agreed upon annually by the 
Coordination Council based on the data gathered and submitted. Provided further, the 
percentage shall be based on the ratio of the OSY population vis-a-vis the in-school youth 
population. Educational institutions shall not withhold requirements for enrollment in 
Tertiary Education, such as but not limited to the academic or training records of students 
who dropped out of school. 
 
CHED shall facilitate the access of the OSY to scholarships under either Republic Act 
No. 10931, otherwise known as the “Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act” 
or Republic Act No. 10687, otherwise known as the “Unified Student Financial 
Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Act.” CHED shall set and 
streamline documentary and other requirements for admission of OSYs, considering their 
special circumstances. 
 
SECTION 30. Entrepreneurial Education. – The Department of Trade and Industry 
(DTI) shall, in coordination with DOLE, DepEd, CHED, TESDA, other relevant 
government agencies, and private sector entities, conduct training programs to provide 
the OSYs with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to engage in entrepreneurial 
endeavors in a variety of settings. These programs shall include small business 
management, new approaches to innovation, participation in the digital gig economy, 
developing creativity or the introduction of new products or services to the markets, and 
providing aid to nascent entrepreneurial undertakings to grow and sustain the business of 
the OSYs. 
 


SECTION 31. Education Cost and Support. – DepEd and TESDA shall provide ALS 
and technical and vocational education services to OSYs free of charge. It shall likewise 
provide materials, instruments, and tools that the OSYs may need while enrolled in ALS 
or a technical/vocational course, and financial support to cover transportation and other 
related costs for the duration of training. LGUs, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), 
government agencies, non-government organizations, the private sector, the academe, and 
other duty bearers to ensure that OSYs will be supported when undergoing their studies 
or training such as but not limited to, providing support in the development of learning 
hubs, transportation, and learning materials. 
 
 
CHAPTER VII 
EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL FACILITATION 
 
SECTION 32. Employment. – OSYs who have the capacity and desire to work shall be 
provided employment opportunities to enable their transition as productive members of 
society. Employers shall not discriminate against the selection of OSYs, ALS learners 
and graduates, and TESDA students and graduates, who meet the necessary job 
qualifications. 
 
Section 33. Covered Governmental Transactions. - No fees and other charges shall be 
collected from first-time OSY jobseekers when obtaining the following,: 
(a)​Police clearance certificate; 
(b)​National Bureau of Investigation clearance; 
(c)​Barangay clearance; 
(d)​
Medical certificate from a public hospital, provided that fees and charges 
collected for laboratory tests and other medical procedures required for the grant 
of a medical certificate shall not be free of charge; 
(e)​Birth Certificate; 
 


(f)​Marriage Certificate; 
(g)​Transcript of academic records issued by state colleges and universities; 
(h)​Tax Identification Number (TIN); 
(i)​Unified Multi-Purpose ID (UMID) card and 
(f) professional driver’s license, 
 
SECTION 34. Entrepreneurial Facilitation. – The DTI shall establish a 
community-based method of addressing the needs and barriers facing OSY entrepreneurs. 
The objective of entrepreneurial facilitation is to encourage and retain a diverse and 
robust local entrepreneurial economy that leads to more opportunities for OSYs. The DTI 
shall coordinate the entrepreneurial facilitation with the LGUs, SKs, institutionalized 
OSY development alliances, and its members. 
 
SECTION 35. Entrepreneurship Training. – The DTI, in coordination with TESDA, 
LGUs, Local Economic and Investment Promotions Offices, and other relevant 
government agencies, shall conduct skills and training programs, and strengthen 
initiatives on youth entrepreneurship to provide OSYs with knowledge, skills, and 
opportunities to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors. These programs shall include: 
a.​ Institutionalization and localization of a comprehensive youth entrepreneurship 
and financial literacy training program; 
b.​ Facilitation of learning of new and sustainable approaches to innovation and 
business management through engagement with the private sector, private or 
non-government organizations; 
c.​ Regular skills enhancement training and mentorship or coaching sessions for 
youth business owners; 
d.​ Increasing 
access 
of 
OSYs 
to 
start-up 
support 
and 
capital, 
microfinancing/microcredit, and loan for businesses through specific targeting and 
provision of slots directly for them; 
 


e.​ Coordination with the private sector institutions to build networks of partner 
businesses; and 
f.​ Creation of entrepreneurship modules, in coordination with the National Youth 
Commission, for implementation by Barangay and SK officials within their 
respective jurisdictions. 
 
SECTION 36. Right To Decent Work. – DOLE, in coordination with DepEd, and 
TESDA, shall ensure general labor standards for OSYs who have graduated from 
secondary education (formal and ALS) and TVET courses, including the following 
minimum guarantees: 
a.​ Local job generation and employment, economic opportunities, and providing 
strict regulations against forced and involuntary displacement; 
b.​ Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of migrant secondary 
education (formal and ALS) and TVET graduates regardless of work status, and 
protection against discrimination in wages, conditions of work, and employment 
opportunities in host countries; and 
c.​ Opportunities for work shall be productive and fairly remunerative as family living 
wage in adherence to local wage board, security of tenure in the workplace, and 
better prospects for personal development and social integration. 
 
SECTION 37. Mandatory Provision of Records. – Educational and training institutions 
shall provide OSYs academic and/or training records within 15 days to facilitate the 
employment or further education of OSYs. Any cost relating to such matter shall be 
shouldered by the local governments through the Special Education Tax Fund. 
 
SECTION 38. OSY Government Internship Program. – OSYs shall be given access 
to the Government Internship Program. The DOLE shall ensure that OSYs are informed 
of the availability and requirements of the program. 
 


SECTION 39. Benefits for Entities Employing OSY. – Private entities that will employ 
OSY as employees, upon the effectivity of this Act, shall be entitled to an additional 
deduction from their gross income, equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of the total 
amount paid as salaries and wages to qualified OSY within the first six (6) months of 
their employment, subject to the provision of Section 34 of the NIRC, as amended: 
Provided, however, That such employment shall continue for a period of at least six (6) 
months: Provided, further, That the annual income of the OSY does not exceed the latest 
poverty threshold as determined by the Philippine Statistics Authority. Private entities 
that will employ OSY as employees shall also be entitled to a discount on the application 
of business permits. 
 
 
CHAPTER VIII 
HEALTH SUPPORT 
 
SECTION 40. Health. – The Department of Health (DOH) shall, in coordination with 
LGUs, and other relevant stakeholders, shall develop and implement a national health 
program and provide comprehensive and integrated health services tailored to the needs of 
OSY. DOH shall undertake the following: 
a.​ Create and implement policies and programs that increase equitable access to 
health services such as: 
i.​ Medical and psychosocial support, including accessible mental healthcare, 
family and peer-driven counseling, and support for domestic abuse; 
ii.​ Adolescent sexual and reproductive healthcare; 
iii.​Support for substance abuse covering prevention, drug education, drug 
awareness, and rehabilitative support; 
iv.​ Occupational healthcare and special protection in hazardous environments; 
and 
v.​ Social health insurance coverage. 
 


b.​ Conduct health education, comprehensive sexual education, and awareness 
campaigns to disseminate information regarding health issues and concerns 
relevant to OSYs and their families. 
c.​ Organize training and facilitate re-tooling of healthcare services to offer 
confidential and non-judgmental healthcare on highly sensitive health issues, 
focusing on reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse prevention, social 
work, and other relevant issues. 
d.​ Integrate health services into other programs targeting OSYs, such as education, 
sports development, vocational training, community development, and similar 
initiatives. 
a.​ Provide accessible basic health services to the dependents of the OSYs, if any. 
 
SECTION 41. Nutrition. – The DOH, through the National Nutrition Council, shall 
coordinate with the Local Health Boards on the conduct of information campaigns on a 
healthy and nutrient rich diet for parents of OSYs, and CRB-OSY, and solo parent OSYs. 
The DepEd shall also implement nutrition programs to students in non-formal 
educational institutions. 
 
 
CHAPTER IX 
SOCIAL SERVICES AND 
SOCIAL PROTECTION 
 
SECTION 42. Social Services. The DSWD, in cooperation with NGAs, LGUs, and 
other relevant stakeholders, shall develop and implement a national program on 
social services for OSYs and OSYs in especially difficult circumstances, the 
components of which are: 
a.​ Social Enhancement Services, which provide OSYs with opportunities for 
socializing, organizing creative expression, and improvement of self; 
 


b.​ After Care Services that provide support for OSYs who are discharged from the 
homes or institutions of the DSWD, and other private institutions duly accredited 
by the DSWD, especially those who have problems with reintegration with family 
and the community; 
c.​ Creation of projects, policies, and programs that provide access to social 
enhancement  
services,  
including  
organizing,  
creating  
expression, 
self-improvement, promotion of well-being, and decreasing the stigma that 
surrounds OSYs; 
d.​ Social Case Management that includes a comprehensive, updated list and detailed 
profile of all known OSYs in the respective localities to provide age-appropriate 
social service interventions 
e.​ Ensure the implementation of the human rights of OSYs in social protection 
programs, including but not limited to intervention and diversion programs aligned 
with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act; 
f.​ Special programs and policies for OSY from indigenous communities covering 
financial assistance, folding into the Comprehensive Program for Children and 
Families in Street Situations, and Indigenous People, and following the Indigenous 
Peoples Participation Framework (IPPF); and 
g.​ Review, monitor, and evaluate programs targeting OSYs and report its 
effectiveness to the Coordinating Council. 
 
SECTION 43. Social Protection. The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and 
DSWD shall institute policies and programs, respectively, that seek to reduce the poverty 
and vulnerability to risks of OSYs by protecting them against the financial hazards of a 
sudden loss of income and improving their capacity to manage risks. 
 


CHAPTER X 
OSY ENGAGEMENT 
 
SECTION 44. Engagement. The NYC, in coordination with the SKs, and Local Youth 
Development Councils (LYDC) and the Local Youth Development Offices (LYDO), shall 
fund, ensure, and encourage the engagement and participation of OSYs in community 
activities and decision-making. It shall institute initiatives such as: 
a.​ Election of at least one (1) OSY-led organization registered under the Youth 
Organization Registration Program (YORP) to the LYDC to ensure inclusion 
and representation of OSYs in local youth development, provided in areas 
where LGUs do not have OSY-led organizations, the LGUs through the LYDO 
and SKs shall take the lead in forming such organization and provide technical 
assistance in their operations and sustainability.; 
b.​ Capacitate SK officials and LYDC representatives on planning and 
implementation of OSY programs and activities; 
c.​ Submission of Annual Situationer Report on OSYs per LGU to ensure that 
policies and programs are being developed and implemented; 
d.​ Consultation or town hall sessions with OSYs as part of the assessment of 
their needs and to determine their advocacies; 
e.​ Ensure inclusion of OSY-related programs and initiatives in the Local Youth 
Development Plan and Annual Investment Program per LGU and the 
Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan (CBYDP) and Annual 
Barangay Investment Program ; 
f.​ Initiate and implement, in coordination with concerned government agencies 
and departments, private or non-governmental organizations, and in 
consultation with OSYs, programs, and projects designed to promote the 
general welfare, development, and empowerment of the OSYs; and 
g.​ Promote participation and involvement of OSYs in all youth activities at the 
local and national level. 
 


 
CHAPTER XI 
ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCE 
 
 
SECTION 45. Programs for OSY in Especially Difficult Circumstances. - OSYs who 
are in especially difficult circumstances shall be provided with services and interventions 
as necessary such as: 
a.​ Temporary protective custody; 
b.​ Medical and dental services; 
c.​ Psychological evaluation; 
d.​ Counseling; 
e.​ Psychiatric evaluation; 
f.​ Legal services; 
g.​ Productivity skill capacity building; 
h.​ Livelihood assistance; 
i.​ Financial assistance; 
j.​ Life skills training; and 
k.​ Health education and information. 
 
 
SECTION 46. Inter-Agency Support. - The NYC, in coordination with the DSWD, 
DOJ, DOH, DepEd and the Advisory Council created under R.A. No. 8044, and 
concerned LGUs shall lead in facilitating, implementing, monitoring and planning 
programs for the rehabilitation of OSYs. 
 
SECTION 47. Duty of the LGU. - It is the duty of the LGU where the OSY resides to 
deliver the necessary services and interventions under their respective jurisdictions. 
 


CHAPTER XII 
ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT 
 
SECTION 48. Creation of the OSY Coordination Council to Provide Special 
Protection for Out-of-School Youth – To ensure effective coordination and 
collaboration among the relevant government agencies and stakeholders involved in 
providing support and interventions for OSY in the Philippines, a Coordination Council 
to Provide Special Protection for Out-of-School Youth, hereinafter called the 
Coordination Council, is hereby created with the following powers and functions: 
a)​ Monitor and coordinate the performance and implementation of mandates of 
concerned agencies, such as, but not limited to, the NYC, DepEd, DSWD, among 
others; 
b)​ Establish policies and procedures for coordination among agencies involved in the 
implementation of this Act; 
c)​ Submit reports and recommendations to the Congressional Committees on Youth 
and Finance on the implementation of this Act; 
d)​ Provide policy recommendations to agencies involved in the implementation of 
this Act to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of this Act. 
 
Within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act, the Coordination Council shall 
convene and draft a manual of procedures containing the rules for the conduct of 
meetings and decision-making, among others. 
 
SECTION 49. Lead Agency. – The NYC shall oversee and ensure the implementation 
of the provisions of this Act in coordination with the agencies that shall comprise the 
inter-agency Coordination Council, and shall have the power to issue other policies, 
rules, regulations, and standards for such implementation. In line with this mandate, the 
NYC shall convene and lead the inter-agency Coordination Council. 
 


SECTION 50. Composition of the Coordination Council – The Coordination Council 
shall be composed of the following: 
a)​ NYC as Chairperson of the Coordination Council; 
b)​ Department of Education as Vice-Chairperson; 
c)​ One (1) representative from each of the following agencies: 
i)​
DSWD; 
ii)​
CHED; 
iii)​
TESDA; 
iv)​
DOH; 
v)​
DILG; 
vi)​
DTI; 
vii)​
NAPC 
viii)​
DOLE; 
ix)​
DOJ; and 
x)​
National Commission on Disability Affairs (NCDA) 
xi)​
National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) 
xii)​
Council on the Welfare of Children (CWC) 
xiii)​
Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) 
xiv)​
National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) 
 
 
The Department Secretaries or Chairpersons may designate permanent and alternate 
authorized representatives to the Coordination Council 
 
d)​ Three (3) sectoral representatives from OSY organizations (one each from Luzon, 
Visayas, and Mindanao), to be approved by the Coordination Council Chairperson 
and Vice-Chairperson, and 
e)​ Representatives from civil society and the private sector, to be approved by the 
Coordination Council Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. 
 


The Commission on Human Rights shall act as Observer for all meetings of the Council. 
 
The Coordination Council, upon a vote of majority members present in a meeting, shall 
have the power to add other national government agencies, commissions, councils, or 
entities as members, provided that none of the existing members object to such. Provided 
further, such objection can be overridden by ¾ votes of the current composition of 
membership, if found to be unreasonable. 
 
SECTION 51. Term. – The sectoral, civil society, and private sector representatives 
shall serve for a term of three (3) years. Any member of the Coordination Council may, 
upon observance of due process and completion of proper investigation, be suspended or 
removed by the Chairperson from office for cause, such as such as gross neglect of duty, 
unethical or dishonorable conduct, final conviction of any crime involving moral 
turpitude, any act of graft and corruption, provided, that, a majority of members of the 
Coordination Council may vote to suspend or remove the Chairperson or 
Vice-Chairperson for cause. 
 
The members of the Coordination Council shall receive per diem at rates to be 
determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in accordance with 
existing rules and regulations. 
 
SECTION 52. Coordination Council Responsibilities. – The Coordination Council 
shall: 
a)​ Coordinate and align programs, policies, strategies, and activities to enforce the 
provisions of this Act, as applicable; 
b)​ Monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act; 
c)​ Develop and regularly implement a nationwide information, education, and 
communications (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about this Act and the need to 
provide special protection and support for OSY; 
 


d)​ Ensure that strategies specific for OSYs are integrated in the Philippine Youth 
Development Plan; and 
e)​ Develop and implement programs and activities to build the capacity of the 
Coordination Council members to fulfill their mandates and functions under this 
Act. 
 
The Coordination Council may, as necessary, coordinate and collaborate with other 
government agencies, private entities, civil society and non-government organizations, 
and individual experts that have relevant mandates and/or expertise that may be useful to 
accomplish its functions under this Act. 
 
SECTION 53. Meeting Frequency and Reporting. – The Coordination Council shall 
convene at least quarterly, and often as needed, to assess the progress of implementation 
of this Act, address challenges, and develop strategies for improvement. 
 
SECTION 54. Info Dissemination. - The Council shall develop information education 
communication materials on programs for the benefit of OSYs and effective 
communication strategies for their dissemination on programs for OSYs based on the 
report submitted by the different members of the Council. 
 
SECTION 55. Roles and Responsibilities of Concerned Agencies. – In addition to 
those mentioned above, the following agencies shall perform the following additional 
duties and responsibilities: 
 
a)​The NYC shall: 
(1)​
Establish and maintain an updated database of OSYs at the national 
and local levels; 
(2)​
Assess the needs of the OSYs and recommend to concerned agencies 
the necessary interventions to address them; 
 


(3)​
Capacitate the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Task Force on Youth 
Development, and Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) to 
implement the provisions of this Act at the local level; and 
(4)​
Coordinate with concerned government agencies, private or NGOs, 
the necessary programs and projects designed to promote the general 
welfare, development, and empowerment of the OSYs as part of the 
multi-stakeholder plan of action for the OSYs. 
 
b)​ The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall: 
 
 
(1)​
Identify learning opportunities and establish programs for the OSYs 
such as returning to formal schooling, enrolling in the ALS, pursuing TVET 
for those who are not fully equipped to return to in-school education; 
(2)​Provide materials, instruments, and tools needed by the OSYs; and 
(3)​Monitor the progress of the OSYs. 
 
c)​
The Local Social Welfare and Development Officer.- The Local Social 
Welfare and Development Officer shall: 
(1)​
Draw up a list of available and required services which can be 
provided for OSYs; 
(2)​
Maintain and regularly update on an annual basis the list of OSYs 
and to issue nationally uniform Individual Identification cards free of 
charge, which shall be valid anywhere in the country; 
(3)​
Serve as a focal person on the dissemination of general information 
and feedback in regard to the needs of the OSYs; 
(4)​
Report to the Mayor, any individual, establishment, business entity, 
institution, or agent found violating any provision of this Act; 
(5)​
Coordinate with the Coordination Council to ensure compliance with 
the provisions of this Act; and 
 


(6)​
Monitor the compliance of government institutions as well as private 
establishments to prominently display information materials such as 
posters, banners and pamphlets that will generate public awareness on the 
rights and welfare of OSYs 
 
d)​The SK, LYDO, and LYDC shall: 
 
 
(1)​
Initiate and implement, in coordination with concerned government 
agencies, private or NGOs, programs and projects designed to promote the 
general welfare, development, and empowerment of the OSYs; 
(2)​
Promulgate resolutions, in consultation with the Katipunan ng 
Kabataan, necessary to carry out the objectives for the OSYs in the 
barangay; 
(3)​Assist in the mapping out of the OSYs in every barangay; 
(4)​
Conduct programs and activities for the OSYs which are in line with 
the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan and the applicable 
provisions of this Act; 
(5)​
Partner with other youth-serving agencies and organizations in 
planning and executing projects and programs of specific advocacies for the 
OSYs such as health and anti-drug abuse, including reproductive health, 
disaster risk reduction and resiliency, employment and livelihood, gender 
sensitivity, and sports development; and 
(6)​
The Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga SK shall submit an annual 
situationer report on the OSYs of their respective provinces to the NYC. 
 
e)​The LGUs shall: 
(1)​
Ensure the database creation and mapping out of OSYs at the 
municipal, city, and barangay levels; 
 


(2)​
Mobilize the SK and the LYDCs to assist in the delivery of the 
necessary services and interventions for the OSYs under their respective 
jurisdictions; 
(3)​
Provide programs for the OSYs, including back-to-school transition, 
enrollment in the ALS or TVET, provision of counseling, and mental and 
reproductive health services in the barangay, municipal, and city levels; and 
(4)​
Set targets on the number of OSYs to be back in school, enrolled in 
ALS or TVET, and availed of the social protection programs: 
 
Provided, That the LGUs shall, through the Community Training and 
Employment Coordinators or duly designated LGU personnel, monitor the 
progress and development of the OSYs in the chosen technical vocational 
course by requiring the technical vocational institutions to submit, among 
others, regular enrollment and completion reports of the programs being 
implemented. 
 
f)​
The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Council for 
Agriculture and Fisheries shall, in coordination with LGUs and DA, ensure the 
inclusion of the OSYs through their organizations to be represented in the 
agriculture and fishery councils from the national down to the regional and local 
levels to ensure full engagement of OSYs in agricultural development. 
 
SECTION 56. Commission on Human Rights. – The Commission acting as the OSY 
Ombudsman, consistent with its mandate, shall undertake measures such as the 
following: 
 
(a)​
Monitor with the NYC and other state agencies, among others, in developing 
indicators and guidelines to comply with their duties related to the human rights of OSY 
 


(b)​
Designate one (1) commissioner to be primarily responsible for formulating and 
implementing programs and activities related to the promotion and protection of the 
human rights of women, including the investigations and complaints of discrimination 
and violations of their rights brought under this Act and related laws and regulations; 
 
(c)​
Establish guidelines and mechanisms, among others, that will facilitate access of 
OSY and CRB-OSY to legal remedies under this Act and related laws, and enhance the 
protection and promotion of the rights of women, especially marginalized women; 
 
(d)​
Assist in the filing of cases against individuals, agencies, institutions, or 
establishments that violate the provisions of this Act; and 
 
(e)​
Recommend to the President of the Philippines or the Civil Service Commission 
any possible administrative action based on noncompliance or failure to implement the 
provisions of this Act. 
 
 
SECTION 57. Reporting. – All concerned agencies shall also report to the 
Coordinating Council as to the status of the implementation of all mandates assigned, 
agreed upon by the Coordinating Council, and provided in this law, including but not 
limited to: 
 
(1)​The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall provide a report detailing the following: 
(a)​Number of CRB-OSY, and OSYs 
(b)​Number of former CRB-OSY and OSYs and the program they transitioned 
into 
(c)​Number of CRB-OSYs and OSYs currently enrolled in ALS and TVET 
 


(2)​
DOLE shall report on the existing work standard for OSYs in coordination 
with LGUs, relevant offices, and organizations. 
 
(3)​
DOH shall report the number of OSYs currently enrolled in the national 
health program. 
 
(4)​
DSWD shall report on best practices identified by the LSWO on OSY 
prevention and protection. 
 
The NYC shall consolidate the reports submitted to the Coordinating Council and report 
to the Office of the President and to the Senate and House Committees on Youth on the 
Status of OSYs in the country. 
 
SECTION 58. Access Framework. Subject to the approval of the Coordination Council, 
all agencies responsible for implementing programs mandated by this law may develop 
respective frameworks designed to deter abuse and ensure equal access to opportunities. 
The said framework may include, but is not limited to, setting reasonable and just limits 
on the re-entry or reapplication of OSYs into the same programs previously availed of. 
 
 
CHAPTER XIII 
PENALTIES 
 
SECTION 59. Penalties. - Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall, 
upon conviction, suffer the following penalties: 
 
a)​
For the first violation, imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more 
than two (2) years and fine of not less than Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not 
more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00); 
 


b)​
For any subsequent violation, imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not 
more than six (6) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos 
(P100,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00); 
 
c)​
If the offender is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials 
thereof directly involved in the violation or abuse shall be held liable. 
 
d)​
If the offender is an alien or a foreigner, the person shall be deported 
immediately upon service of sentence without further proceedings. 
 
Upon filing of the appropriate complaint or information, the proper authorities, in 
coordination with the concerned LGU, shall cause the cancellation or revocation of the 
business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted to any 
business entity or person that fails to abide by or violates the provisions of this Act. 
 
 
SECTION 60. Falsification of OSY Status. - Any person who wrongfully declared 
themselves as a OSY and avails of the benefits and privileges under this law shall suffer 
the following penalties: 
a)​ For the first violation, public censure. 
b)​ For the second violation, public censure and a fine of not less than Twenty Five 
Thousand Pesos (P25,000.00). 
c)​ For the third violation or oftener, public censure and a fine of not less than Fifty 
Thousand Pesos (P50,000). 
 
SECTION 61. Falsification of OSY Certification. - Any person who, with lack of due 
diligence, issues an OSY certification to a person who does not fall within the definition 
of OSY shall suffer the following penalties: 
 


1)​ For the first violation, a fine of not less than Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000). 
2)​ For the second violation, temporary suspension from office and/or a fine of not 
less than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,000) 
3)​ For the third violation, imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more 
than two (2) years and fine of not less than Two Hundred Thousand Pesos 
(P200,000.00). 
 
 
 
CHAPTER XIV 
FINAL PROVISIONS 
 
SECTION 62. Non-Existence of OSYs - The provisions of this Act shall be rendered 
inoperative upon the Coordination Council’s formal declaration that no youth within the 
nation has been classified as an OSY for a continuous period of three years. 
Notwithstanding, this Act shall be automatically reinstated upon the verified report of any 
interested persons to the NYC identifying at least one youth as an OSY. 
 
SECTION 63. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the budget of the concerned government 
agencies in the annual General Appropriations Act; 
 
SECTION 64. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Advisory Council created 
under Republic Act No. 8044 shall promulgate, not later than thirty (30) days upon the 
effectivity of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act: Provided, That the failure to promulgate the rules and 
regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity. 
 


SECTION 65. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared 
unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall 
remain in full force and effect. 
 
SECTION 66. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and 
regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with that provisions of this Act are hereby 
repealed, amended or modified accordingly; 
 
SECTION 67. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its 
publication in the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation. 
 
Approved, 
 
 
 
HON. BRIAN DANIEL POE LLAMANZARES, PhD, MNSA 
Representative 
FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-List