MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday signed into law a bill mandating all concerned government agencies to provide relief and protection for children during emergency situations.
The bill which originated in the Senate and approved as Senate Bill 3034 by both the houses of Congress last Feb. 16 will now be registered as Republic Act 10821 or Children’s Emergency Relief and Protection Act.
The enactment ceremony was held at the Rizal Hall of the Malacanang Palace and witnessed Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman, Senator Bam Aquino, congresswomen Susan Yap and Linabelle Ruth Villarica, partners from international and local civil societies and children beneficiaries.
u201dHanggang sa mga huling sandali ng pagbagtas natin sa Daang Matuwid, narito po tayo at ang inyong gobyerno, nakatutok sa pagtutupad ng isang panata: Ipamana ang isang Pilipinas na di hamak na mas maganda kaysa ating dinatnan,” President said in his speech.
President Aquino said the new law aims to create comprehensive and extensive plans to assure the protection of the Filipino children affected by calamities, disasters and other forms of emergencies.
u201dSa mga pagkakataong ito, kabataan ang pinaka-nanganganib ang kalagayan dahil talagang wala silang kalaban-laban,” he said.
The President said the law will also formalize the steps and processes to be taken in time of emergencies and to provide the national and local government with clear duties and responsibilities on how children be protected in times of calamities.
u201dBukod dito, hangad din nating maging pundasyon at pamantayan ang batas na ito sa pangangalaga sa kabataang Pilipino, sinuman ang nakaupo sa puwesto,” the President said.
u201dNgayon, lalong tumitibay ang mandato ng lokal at pambansang pamahalaan na magtayo ng child-friendly spaces, evacuation centers, transitional shelters na may pasilidad para sa mga pangangailangan ng kabataan, pati na ng mga nagdadalantao,” he added.
President Aquino is set to step down on June 30. He will be succeeded by presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte.
The new law will also provide child-responsive training program for all the responders particularly in the calamity-prone areas of the country. (PNA)