Nograles seeks to establish PCCh to protect kids’ welfare
A PARTY-LIST representative has filed a bill that seeks to create a special agency focused on promoting and safeguarding the rights and welfare of children.
House Assistant Majority Leader and Puwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Party-list Rep. Margarita Nograles has filed House Bill (HB) No. 8163 or the proposed Philippine Commission on Children Act of 2024 to create the Philippine Commission on Children (PCCh).
Nograles said the PCCh will serve as the focal agency responsible for coordinating and enforcing laws pertaining to child welfare. It would be designated as the authority on children’s concerns, rights, and advocacy, following an integrated and holistic approach.
The objectives of the Commission include formulating policies, setting priorities for child promotion and development programs, conducting research, and implementing national policies and pilot projects.
The PCCh will review, monitor, and evaluate all policies and programs concerning child rights. It will also advocate for innovative programs and services and facilitate resource mobilization to support its mission.
Under this bill, PCCh is attached to the Office of the President, ensuring its direct involvement in the highest levels of government decision-making.
The Commission will comprise a Board of Commissioners, including the Chairperson and four Commissioners responsible for Child Protection, Child Health and Nutrition, Child Development, and Child Participation. These Commissioners will be appointed by the President, ensuring their expertise and dedication to children’s welfare.
The PCCh will collaborate with various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other relevant institutions to implement child welfare programs effectively. A Technical Advisory Group (TAG) will be established to provide recommendations and guidelines for policies and projects related to children’s welfare. The TAG will consist of representatives from government departments, agencies, and private individuals committed to child welfare.
To ensure effective coordination, the PCCh will work in collaboration with Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) at the grassroots level, as well as 17 Regional Committees/Sub-committees for the Welfare of Children (RC/SCWCs) to link national and local government units (LGUs).
Additionally, the Act establishes Sectoral Committees and Sub-Committees to address specific concerns of children in various areas, such as protection, family environment, civil rights, health, welfare, and education. The Convergence of Councils and Committees on Children (Four Cs) will serve as a system for coordination and collaboration among all structures addressing children’s issues.
To oversee regional implementation, the Act establishes Regional Committees/Sub-committees for the Welfare of Children in each region, ensuring efficient coordination among member agencies.
The Act also emphasizes the creation and strengthening of LCPCs at the local level, allocating at least 7% of the local government’s total budget appropriations for child programs.
