PD 603
LAWPHIL
CYRIL JOHN SALON
DECLARATION OF POLICY
• The child is considered a vital asset to the nation, and efforts must be made to promote their
welfare and opportunities for a fulfilling life.
• Children are not merely subjects of the State; their individual traits and aptitudes should be
nurtured, provided they align with the general welfare.
• The family plays a crucial role in shaping a child's character, and a harmonious home
environment is essential for development.
• Strong family ties should be encouraged, but not at the expense of community engagement.
• The government is responsible for supporting parents in raising children for civic efficiency,
with schools, churches, and communities also playing supportive roles
TITLE AND SCOPE OF CODE
• The Child and Youth Welfare Code applies to individuals under twenty-one
years of age, excluding those who are legally emancipated.
• The terms "child," "minor," and "youth" refer to individuals within this age
range
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD
• All children are entitled to rights without discrimination based on various
factors.
• Rights include:
• Dignity and worth from conception, with a right to be born well.
• A wholesome family life providing love, care, and security.
• Opportunities for well-rounded personal development.
• Access to basic needs such as nutrition, clothing, shelter, and medical care.
• A moral upbringing to strengthen character.
RIGHTS OF THE CHILD CONT.
• Education suited to their abilities.
• Safe recreational opportunities.
• Protection from exploitation and harmful influences.
• A supportive community environment.
• State care and protection when parental support is lacking.
• A government that inspires faith in democracy.
• Freedom to grow in a peaceful and understanding atmosphere.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILD
• Children must strive for an upright life, respect parents, and cooperate in
family unity.
• They should develop their potential through education and respect cultural
values and authorities.
• Active participation in civic affairs is encouraged, as is the promotion of
human rights and world peace.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CHILD
• Children must strive for an upright life, respect parents, and cooperate in
family unity.
• They should develop their potential through education and respect cultural
values and authorities.
• Active participation in civic affairs is encouraged, as is the promotion of
human rights and world peace.
Commencement of Civil Personality
-A child's civil personality begins at conception for all beneficial purposes.
Abortion
-Abortion laws are governed by existing legal provisions.
Non-disclosure of Birth Records
-Birth records are confidential and can only be disclosed under specific condition
with penalties for violations.
Child's Welfare Paramount
-The child's welfare is the primary consideration in matters of care, custody,
education, and property.
Levels of Growth
-Children should receive adequate care and guidance throughout their
developmental stages.
Phases of Development
-Special protections and opportunities must be provided to ensure comprehensi
development in a dignified manner.
Promotion of Health
-Health promotion starts with prenatal and postnatal care, with responsibilities
shared among health and educational entities.
Education
-Schools must assist parents in providing quality education.
Social and Emotional Growth
-Healthy social and emotional development is a collaborative effort between
home, schools, and welfare agencies.
Morality
-High moral principles should be instilled in children, particularly at home, school,
and church.
Spiritual Values
-The State should encourage the promotion of children's spiritual well-being
according to their religious beliefs.
Civic Conscience
-Children should be raised in an atmosphere of understanding and responsibility
as community members.
.
Parental Authority
-Joint parental authority is exercised by both parents, with the father's decision
prevailing in case of disagreement unless otherwise ordered by the court.
-Grandparents may be consulted but cannot interfere with parental authority.
Dependent, Abandoned, or Neglected Child
-Such children are under the authority of suitable persons or institutions after
being declared abandoned.
Adoption
-The Code outlines who may adopt, who may not adopt, and the necessary
consents required for adoption.
-Adoption procedures include trial custody periods and the confidentiality of
proceedings.
Rights of Parents
-Parents have the primary right to their children's company and upbringing,
including the right to discipline.
Duties of Parents
-Parents must provide affection, moral guidance, supervision, and support, and
encourage their children's participation in family discussions.
Liabilities of Parents
-Parents are liable for damages caused by their children and may face criminal
liability for neglect or abuse.
Assistance to Parents
-The State provides support to parents in need, including financial aid and social
services.
Foster Care
-Foster homes must be licensed and supervised, with a preference for foster care
over institutional care.
Access to Educational Opportunities
-The State ensures that no child is denied admission to public schools and provides
assistance to indigent families.
Role of the Home
-The home must support the school in the child's development.
Rights of the Church
-The State respects the Church's rights in the moral upbringing of children.
Duties of the Community
-The community is responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for children.
Council for the Welfare of Children
-A Council is established to coordinate child welfare efforts, with specific powers and
responsibilities.
Implementation of Code
-The Council is responsible for enforcing the Code and can create necessary regulations.
General Penalty
-Violations of the Code without specific penalties are subject to fines or imprisonment.
Repealing Clause
-Inconsistent laws are repealed or modified.
Separability Clause
-If any provision is invalid, the remaining provisions remain effective.
Effectivity Clause
-The Code takes effect six months after approval.

Presidential decree 603 or the Child and Youth Welfare Code, is a law in the Philippines that protects and supports children and youth. It was issued in December 1974

  • 1.
  • 2.
    DECLARATION OF POLICY •The child is considered a vital asset to the nation, and efforts must be made to promote their welfare and opportunities for a fulfilling life. • Children are not merely subjects of the State; their individual traits and aptitudes should be nurtured, provided they align with the general welfare. • The family plays a crucial role in shaping a child's character, and a harmonious home environment is essential for development. • Strong family ties should be encouraged, but not at the expense of community engagement. • The government is responsible for supporting parents in raising children for civic efficiency, with schools, churches, and communities also playing supportive roles
  • 3.
    TITLE AND SCOPEOF CODE • The Child and Youth Welfare Code applies to individuals under twenty-one years of age, excluding those who are legally emancipated. • The terms "child," "minor," and "youth" refer to individuals within this age range
  • 4.
    RIGHTS OF THECHILD • All children are entitled to rights without discrimination based on various factors. • Rights include: • Dignity and worth from conception, with a right to be born well. • A wholesome family life providing love, care, and security. • Opportunities for well-rounded personal development. • Access to basic needs such as nutrition, clothing, shelter, and medical care. • A moral upbringing to strengthen character.
  • 5.
    RIGHTS OF THECHILD CONT. • Education suited to their abilities. • Safe recreational opportunities. • Protection from exploitation and harmful influences. • A supportive community environment. • State care and protection when parental support is lacking. • A government that inspires faith in democracy. • Freedom to grow in a peaceful and understanding atmosphere.
  • 6.
    RESPONSIBILITIES OF THECHILD • Children must strive for an upright life, respect parents, and cooperate in family unity. • They should develop their potential through education and respect cultural values and authorities. • Active participation in civic affairs is encouraged, as is the promotion of human rights and world peace.
  • 7.
    RESPONSIBILITIES OF THECHILD • Children must strive for an upright life, respect parents, and cooperate in family unity. • They should develop their potential through education and respect cultural values and authorities. • Active participation in civic affairs is encouraged, as is the promotion of human rights and world peace.
  • 8.
    Commencement of CivilPersonality -A child's civil personality begins at conception for all beneficial purposes. Abortion -Abortion laws are governed by existing legal provisions. Non-disclosure of Birth Records -Birth records are confidential and can only be disclosed under specific condition with penalties for violations. Child's Welfare Paramount -The child's welfare is the primary consideration in matters of care, custody, education, and property. Levels of Growth -Children should receive adequate care and guidance throughout their developmental stages. Phases of Development -Special protections and opportunities must be provided to ensure comprehensi development in a dignified manner.
  • 9.
    Promotion of Health -Healthpromotion starts with prenatal and postnatal care, with responsibilities shared among health and educational entities. Education -Schools must assist parents in providing quality education. Social and Emotional Growth -Healthy social and emotional development is a collaborative effort between home, schools, and welfare agencies. Morality -High moral principles should be instilled in children, particularly at home, school, and church. Spiritual Values -The State should encourage the promotion of children's spiritual well-being according to their religious beliefs. Civic Conscience -Children should be raised in an atmosphere of understanding and responsibility as community members. .
  • 10.
    Parental Authority -Joint parentalauthority is exercised by both parents, with the father's decision prevailing in case of disagreement unless otherwise ordered by the court. -Grandparents may be consulted but cannot interfere with parental authority. Dependent, Abandoned, or Neglected Child -Such children are under the authority of suitable persons or institutions after being declared abandoned. Adoption -The Code outlines who may adopt, who may not adopt, and the necessary consents required for adoption. -Adoption procedures include trial custody periods and the confidentiality of proceedings. Rights of Parents -Parents have the primary right to their children's company and upbringing, including the right to discipline.
  • 11.
    Duties of Parents -Parentsmust provide affection, moral guidance, supervision, and support, and encourage their children's participation in family discussions. Liabilities of Parents -Parents are liable for damages caused by their children and may face criminal liability for neglect or abuse. Assistance to Parents -The State provides support to parents in need, including financial aid and social services. Foster Care -Foster homes must be licensed and supervised, with a preference for foster care over institutional care. Access to Educational Opportunities -The State ensures that no child is denied admission to public schools and provides assistance to indigent families. Role of the Home -The home must support the school in the child's development.
  • 12.
    Rights of theChurch -The State respects the Church's rights in the moral upbringing of children. Duties of the Community -The community is responsible for ensuring a safe and healthy environment for children. Council for the Welfare of Children -A Council is established to coordinate child welfare efforts, with specific powers and responsibilities. Implementation of Code -The Council is responsible for enforcing the Code and can create necessary regulations. General Penalty -Violations of the Code without specific penalties are subject to fines or imprisonment. Repealing Clause -Inconsistent laws are repealed or modified. Separability Clause -If any provision is invalid, the remaining provisions remain effective. Effectivity Clause -The Code takes effect six months after approval.