Council for the Welfare of Children

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Introduction

The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) is the primary government agency dedicated to building a child-friendly and child-sensitive society in the Philippines. Established by Presidential Decree 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code) in 1974, the CWC serves as the focal inter-agency body tasked with policy advocacy, coordination, and monitoring of child-related programs, ensuring that children's rights to survival, development, protection, and participation are upheld.

Guided by national laws and international commitments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), the CWC works to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and discrimination while promoting their well-being and active participation in society.

As the lead agency for child welfare policies and initiatives, the CWC collaborates with government agencies, civil society organizations, and communities to create a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for every Filipino child.

Council for the Welfare of Children Board

The CWC Board serves as the highest governing body responsible for ensuring the effective formulation, coordination, and implementation of child welfare policies in the Philippines. Established under Presidential Decree No. 603 (Child and Youth Welfare Code) of 1974, the Board plays a crucial role in safeguarding the rights and well-being of Filipino children.

Legal Mandate

The CWC Board is guided by key legal frameworks that define its composition, powers, and responsibilities:

Presidential Decree No. 603 (1974) – Establishes the CWC as the primary coordinating body for child welfare programs.
Executive Order No. 233 (1987) – Reorganizes the CWC Board and grants it authority over national child welfare policies.
Republic Act No. 7610 (1992) – Tasks the CWC with monitoring child protection laws.
Republic Act No. 9344 (2006) – Identifies the CWC as a coordinating body for juvenile justice and welfare.
Republic Act No. 10661 (2014) – Declares the CWC as the lead agency for National Children’s Month.
Republic Act No. 11930 (2022) – Directs the CWC to lead efforts against online child exploitation.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Policy Formulation and Decision-Making

Develops and approves national child welfare policies, programs, and action plans.
Ensures alignment with international commitments, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
Reviews and adopts resolutions to strengthen child protection initiatives.

2. Inter-Agency Coordination

Leads the collaboration among government agencies to implement child-related laws.
Strengthens national efforts against child labor, juvenile delinquency, and online exploitation.

3. Monitoring and Evaluation

Oversees the implementation of child welfare programs.
Requires agencies to submit periodic reports on child-related initiatives.
Reviews and endorses the State of the Filipino Children Report.

4. Budget Advocacy and Resource Mobilization

Ensures sufficient government funding for child protection programs.
Engages private sector and international partners for resource mobilization.

5. Local Government Engagement

Promotes the Local Development Plans for Children (LDPCs) and Local Investment Plans for Children (LIPCs).
Supports the establishment of Local Councils for the Protection of Children (LCPCs) across cities and municipalities.

6. Child Participation

Institutionalizes the role of children and youth in decision-making processes.
Ensures a Child Representative has a voice in the CWC Board.

7. National and International Representation

Represents the Philippines in global discussions on child rights and welfare.
Ensures compliance with UNCRC reporting obligations.

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