AN ACT ESTABLISHING A DAY CARE CENTER IN EVERY BARANGAY

Case Overview and Summary

Summary of Republic Act No. 6972

Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act

- Declares the policy of the State to defend the rights of children to assistance, proper care, nutrition, and protection against neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development. (Section 2)
- Establishes a day care center in every barangay with a total development and protection of children program for children up to 6 years old, with or without parental consent in cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. (Section 2)

Program Framework (Section 3):
- Monitoring of birth registration and completion of immunization series for tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, measles, poliomyelitis, and other diseases.
- Growth and nutritional monitoring, supplementary nutritional feeding, and supervision of nutritional intake at home.
- Care for children of working mothers during the day and, where feasible, care for children up to 6 years old when mothers are working at night.
- Provision of materials and network of surrogate mothers-teachers for intellectual and mental stimulation, supervised wholesome recreation, play, and group activities.
- Sanctuary for abused, neglected, or exploited children in child institutions or network of sanctuary-homes, with support from barangay officials and law enforcement agencies.
- Referral and support system for prenatal and neonatal care, delivery of infants under safe conditions, and training for hilots to recognize high-risk pregnancies.
- Support system and network of assistance from barangay members for the total development and protection of children.

Implementation (Section 4):
- The program shall be implemented by the barangay, with the assistance of private volunteers and consultative services for medical, educational, and other needs of children.

Functions of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (Section 5):
- Formulate criteria for selection, qualifications, training, and accreditation of barangay day care workers and standards for program implementation.
- Coordinate activities of non-government organizations with day care workers and social workers for attainment of program goals.
- Protect and assist abused, neglected, or exploited children and secure proper government assistance.

Funding (Section 6):
- Funds for establishment, maintenance, and operation of barangay day care centers shall be appropriated from the national budget and included in the annual General Appropriations Act as part of the budget of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
- Provinces, cities, or municipalities shall provide financial assistance for establishing barangay day care centers.
- Barangay day care workers in accredited day care centers shall receive a monthly allowance of not less than ₱500.00, charged to the annual appropriations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
- A portion of health programs available to the Philippines under official aid or official debt arrangements from foreign countries shall be extended in support of the day care centers, as determined by the Office of the President.

Repealing Clause (Section 7):
- All laws, decrees, rules, regulations, and executive orders contrary to or inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified accordingly.

Effectivity (Section 8):
- This Act shall take effect upon its approval and completion of publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.