THE House of Representatives has approved on the third and final reading a measure institutionalizing and enhancing the roles of Parent-Teacher and Community Associations (PTCA) in the holistic development of children.

With unanimous 202 votes, the chamber approved House Bill No. 9670 seeking to amend Presidential Decree 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code.

“Promoting the welfare and protecting the rights of children is one of our utmost priorities in terms of legislation and we hope to achieve this through the passage of this bill,” Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.

“We acknowledge the reality that it takes a village to raise a child so through this bill, we aim to harness collaboration among parents, teachers, school officials, and the communities, in ensuring that the welfare and rights of children are protected at all times,” he added.

Other authors of the measure are Tingog Party-list Reps. Yedda Romualdez and Jude Acidre, BHW Partylist Angelica Natasha Co, Quezon City Rep. Franz Pumaren, TGP Partylist Rep. Jose Teves, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla and Parañaque City Rep. Edwin Olivarez.

The proposed law requires every early child development center and basic education school to organize a PTCA composed of parents, parent-substitutes, teachers, community development workers, and a duly recognized community group from various sectors. It also encourages fathers and male caregivers to participate in PTCA activities.

Under HB 9670, the PTCA will assist the provincial, city, municipal, and other local authorities and school officials in promoting the advocacy of and implementation of programs and activities that protect the rights and promote the welfare of children, and create a development program for children.

The PTCA is also tasked to ensure the full cooperation of parents, parent-substitutes, teachers, and community stakeholders; consult the children, through their student councils, parents, parent-substitutes, and child organizations in the planning and implementation of programs, projects, and activities.

Once enacted into law, the PTCA will also serve as an avenue for stakeholders to design appropriate programs, discuss issues, and recommend actions; and support the implementation of child protection policies in schools and communities.