GABRIELA Women’s Party warned that declining school enrollment among Filipino children who experience violence at home reflects deep and systemic government neglect, calling for urgent reforms to protect abused children and keep them in school.

Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago raised the alarm after reports showed that children exposed to parental violence—particularly girls—are significantly less likely to remain enrolled in school.

She noted that nearly 40 percent of Filipino children experience some form of parental violence by age 10, highlighting the scale and urgency of the problem.

Elago said the issue goes beyond domestic abuse and reflects broader failures in governance.

“Violence in the home is not separate from widespread state neglect. When funds for education, social services, and child protection are stolen or misused, children—especially those from poor families—are the first to suffer,” she said.

She added that corruption undermines early intervention programs, counseling services, and school-based support systems that are critical to keeping vulnerable children safe and enrolled.

According to Elago, the steady drop in enrollment among abused children is a predictable outcome of weak implementation and chronic underfunding of child welfare programs.

“It is no accident that enrollment is falling among children who experience violence. This is the result of a broken system where programs meant for children’s welfare are set aside in favor of projects that benefit corrupt officials,” she said.

Citing the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Elago stressed the State’s obligation to uphold children’s rights to protection, participation, and development.

“These rights are violated when abuse is ignored and public resources are diverted away from essential services,” she added.

“Children have the right to be protected, to be heard, and to study in a safe environment. But how can this happen when funds are pocketed and programs fail to reach them?” Elago said.

Gabriela Women’s Party announced it will file a House resolution to examine gaps in government implementation, hold agencies accountable, and assess the impact of corruption and chronic underfunding on children’s welfare and education outcomes.