Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

6125

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’

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 hamess the full potential of the youth as responsible
partners in nation building;

"This proposed bills based on a measure originally filed by the Hon. Rufus Rodriguez during the 14 Congress.


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

c) 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.

DIOSDADO MACAPAGAL ARROYO GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
Second District, Camarines Sur Second District, Pampanga


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 0125

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 2011."

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 3. 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 multi-purpose 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 hamess 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;

c) 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;

c) 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. Composit
composed of the following, to wit:

in of the Council. — The Council shall be

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;

¢) 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;

f) 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;

j) 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 shalll 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;

(5) 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;

(5) 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 Goverment
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, tricycle 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 shalll 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", concemed
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,
ules 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,