PARAÑAQUE City 2nd District Rep. Joy Myra Tambunting filed a measure that aims to strengthen social welfare programs for the youth.

House Bill 10448 will ensure that children will be given assistance and protection from all forms of neglect and cruelty.

“Youth population now is massive that necessitates additional consideration and support from the government in order to guide them into having proper values and to protect them against unfortunate abuses,” Tambunting said in her explanatory note.

House Bill 10448 mandates the  Department of the Interior and Local Government to establish a Truancy Operations Center that shall be the centralized information management system regarding school attendance.

The Center shall coordinate with the Department of Justice for the purpose of filing criminal cases against parents or guardians who commit crimes against children.

The measure mandates public and private elementary and high schools to assign at least three guidance counselors to ensure the children’s well-being and academic, behavioral and social growth.