SIXTEENTH CONGRESS )

OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

First Regular Session )
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No._164

Introduced by Representative Susan A. Yap

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Article XV, Section 3(2) of the Constitution states that the State must defend the right of
children to assistance, including proper care and nutzition, and special protection from all forms of
neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation and other conditions prejudicial to their development, The
Philippines, as party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, must guarantee the protection
and preservation of children’s rights and welfare through various programs that are concrete and
accessible.

Proclamation No. 74, series of 1992 instituted the commemoration of a National Children’s
Day on October 17. This was in response to the Universal Children’s Day as adopted by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1959. However, this was superseded by Proclamation No. 267, series
of 1993.

Since 1993 the Philippines has been celebrating the month of October as Children’s Month
in accordance with Proclamation 267. The designation of a month is to commemorate more the
Filipino children which will emphasize further the importance of thei role within the Filipino family
and the Philippine society.

‘To raise the awareness and concern of Filipinos regarding the rights and welfare of children,
this bill seeks to legislate the celebration of Children’s Month. It is through heightening the level of
consciousness that further successful efforts on uplifting the conditions of the Filipino child can be
achieved.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought.

Representative, 2" Dis Tarlac


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SIXTEENTH CONGRESS

)
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )

First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 164 1

Introduced by Representative Susan A. Yap

AN ACT
DECLARING THE CELEBRATION OF THE NATIONAL CHILDREN'S
MONTH IN THE COUNTRY ON OCTOBER OF EVERY YEAR

Beit enacted by the Senate and Haus of Repreentatvs ofthe Philippines in Congress assembled:
SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the "National Children's Month Act".

SECTION 2. The month of October of every year shall hereby be known as the
"National Children's Month" to promote consciousness over the protection of the rights of
Filipino children and the importance of fostering their well-being to secure the growth and
development of society.

SECTION 3. Pursuant to the observance of the National Children's Month, an annual
program of activities shall be prepared and implemented with the Department of Social
Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Council
for the Welfare of Children (CWC) as lead agencies.

In support thereof, the Department of Education (DepED) and the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED) shall facilitate and encourage the commemoration of this day in all
schools, public and private, nationwide.

The Philippine Information Agency (NA), in coordination with the DSWD, DepED,
CHED, NYC and CWC shall ensure the effective information dissemination of this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in the official
gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,