Allocation of 1% IRA for the Strengthening and Implementation of the Programs of the Local Councils for the Protection of Children

July 4, 2012

DILG MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 120-12

 

I. Prefatory Statement

Section 15 of Republic Act 9344, known as the "Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006" mandates LGUs to establish their respective Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPC) at the City, Municipal and Barangay Levels and allocate 1% of Internal Revenue Allotment for its strengthening and implementation of programs, projects and activities.

The LCPC is an institutional mechanism in all levels of LGUs that advocates child rights, plans and initiates/recommends interventions and monitors children's programs and projects in the locality.

In view of this, all Local Chief Executives and others concerned are hereby enjoined to appropriate in the LGUs Annual Budget one percent (1%) of its internal revenue allotment (IRA) as required by RA 9344 for the strengthening and implementation of programs, projects and activities of their respective Local Council for the Protection of Children.

II. One Percent (1%) IRA Allocation

The Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) that can be funded by the 1% IRA for the strengthening of LCPC are the following:

1. Preparation of:

a. Council's Annual Work and Financial Plan prioritized according to needs for integration in the local development plan; TCaEAD

b. Local Development Plan for Children (LDPC);

c. Local Investment Plan for Children (LIPC);

d. Local Code for Children (LCC) for provinces, cities and municipalities while ordinances for children at the barangay level;

e. Local State of Children's Report (LSCR);

f. Children's Profile; and

g. Responsive ordinances and policies consistent with the child-friendly commitments.

2. Conduct of:

a. Advocacy activities on the promotion of the rights and welfare of children;

b. Capability building activities for all stakeholders on children; and

c. Regular and special meetings of the Council.

3. Establishment, maintenance and updating of data base on children;

4. Assistance to Children in Need of Special Protection (CNSP) and referral of cases filed against child abusers to concerned agencies/institutions;

5. Development of advocacy materials on children;

6. Installation of a local information system on children's situation;

7. Documentation of good practice/s on children;

8. Monitoring of the enforcement of national and local laws on children and assessment of PPAs on children being undertaken by the LGUs in their respective localities which shall include among others, the following:

a. Establishment, improvement and maintenance of the standard day care centers, and recruitment of trained day care workers, etc.; cADaIH

b. Elimination of all forms of child abuse;

c. HIV/AIDS prevention;

d. Implementation of intervention and diversion programs for CICL as provided for in Section 18 of RA 9344;

e. Institutionalization of health and nutrition programs (i.e., immunization, salt iodization, feeding programs, micronutrient supplementation, etc.);

f. Provision of maternal and post natal care;

g. Construction and maintenance of community infrastructure like children's playground, library and youth centers, etc.;

h. Strengthening the family through parental care and guidance, family week celebration and parent education;

i. Provision of potable water supply;

j. Provision of services and programs that respond to the special needs, interest and concerns of children and offer appropriate counseling and guidance to these children and their families; and

k. Training/capacity building of service providers for children and LCPC members.

The LGUs may increase allocation for LCPC from the 1% requirement of RA 9344 to ensure that all plans for children are provided with funds and implemented. LGUs are likewise encouraged to outsource funds or to engage in partnership with private organizations, establishments and entities that provide financial assistance for the implementation of LCPC programs, projects and activities. The abovementioned undertakings may likewise be charged against the 20% Development Fund of the LGUs as mandated by Section 287 of the Local Government Code, particularly in the realization of the goals for social development of the community. AScHCD

The DILG Regional and Field Officers shall disseminate this Circular and provide the necessary assistance to LGUs in implementing this issuance that shall take effect immediately.

For guidance and compliance.

(SGD.) JESSE M. ROBREDOSecretary