The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 9670, which seeks to institutionalize and enhance the role of parent-teacher and community associations (PTCA) in promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of children.
It would amend Presidential Decree No. 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code.
The measure aims to harness the synergy of collaboration among parents, teachers and school authorities, and the community in the upbringing and development of children.
The measure aims to harness the synergy of collaboration among parents, teachers and school authorities, and the community in the upbringing and development of children.
When enacted into law, all early child development centers and basic education schools would be required to organize a PTCA tasked to
1) assist in implementing programs that protect the rights and welfare of children,
2) create a development program for children, and
3) support the implementation of child protection policies in schools and communities, among others.
A key provision of HB 9670 is to encourage fathers and male caregivers to participate in PTCA activities.
A key provision of HB 9670 is to encourage fathers and male caregivers to participate in PTCA activities.
Committee on welfare of children chairperson and BHW Party-list Representative Angelica Natasha Co, standing as sponsor, highlighted the crucial role of the PTCA in creating and maintaining “an environment conducive to the proper upbringing of the children, particularly with respect to their preparation for adult life and the conscientious discharge of their civic duties as a whole”.
Deputy Speaker Roberto Puno presided over the plenary session.
