ARTICLE XVI
Section 1. The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white, and blue, with a sun and three stars, as
consecrated and honored by the people and recognized by law.
Section 2. The Congress may, by law, adopt a new name for the country, a national anthem, or a
national seal, which shall all be truly reflective and symbolic of the ideals, history, and traditions of the
people. Such law shall take effect only upon its ratification by the people in a national referendum.
RA 10533
Republic Act No. 10533 (RA 10533), otherwise known as the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013, has
expanded the years of schooling in basic education from 10 years to 12 years. In school year 2018-2019,
an additional 2 years representing Grades 11 and 12 will be introduced in the basic education system
through senior high school. Recognizing the need for additional support to students due to the added
two years in basic education, the State, through RA 10533, further expanded Republic Act 8545 (RA
8545) to provide financial assistance to qualified grade 10 completers entering senior high school
Republic Act No. 8371
Indigenous Peoples Rights Act 1997 (Republic Act No. 8371 of 1997).An Act to recognize, protect and
promote the rights of Indigenous Cultural Communities/Indigenous Peoples, creating a National
Commission on Indigenous Peoples, establishing implementing mechanisms, appropriating funds
therefor, and for other purposes.
The Act makes provision for the promotion and recognition of the rights of Indigenous Cultural
Communities/Indigenous Peoples (ICCs/IPs), with a view to preserve their culture, traditions and
institutions and to ensure the equal protection and non-discrimination of members.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7610
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR STRONGER DETERRENCE AND SPECIAL PROTECTION AGAINST CHILD ABUSE,
EXPLOITATION AND DISCRIMINATION, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
R.A. 7610 clearly defined children as:
a “person below eighteen (18) years of age or those over but are unable to fully take care of themselves
or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of a physical
or mental disability or condition”.
Republic Act No. 9344
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE SYSTEM, CREATING THE
JUVENILE JUSTICE AND WELFARE COUNCIL UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
The State recognizes the vital role of children and youth in nation building and shall promote and
protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual and social well-being. It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism, and encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs.
Republic Act (RA) 10665
Republic Act (RA) 10665 or the Open High School System Act seeks to provide more learners access to
secondary education through the open learning modality. The law, which encourages young people to
complete their secondary education, comes as the Department of Education (DepEd) works on its “last
mile”: bringing the schools to where the learners are.
RA 7277 – An Act Providing For The Rehabilitation, Self-Development And Self-Reliance Of Disabled
Person And Their Integration Into The Mainstream Of Society And For Other Purposes.
It is a declared policy of RA 7277 that persons with disability are part of Philippine society, and thus the
State shall give full support to the improvement of their total well being and their integration into the
mainstream of society. They have the same rights as other people to take their proper place in society
PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 603
THE CHILD AND YOUTH WELFARE CODE
Promulgated December 10, 1974
Ang Presidential Decree Bilang 603 o mas kilala sa tawag na Child and Youth welfare Code nang Pilipinas
ay isang batas na nagsasaad sa pagpapahalaga n gating bansa sa mga kabataan. Si pangulong Ferdinand
Marcos ang gumawa ng batas na ito. Isinaad sa batas na ito na ang bawat bata ay dapat pahalagahan ng
lahat ng mamamayan. Ang pamilya ang pangunahing naghuhulma ng kanyang pagkatao at kaisipan sa
tulong ng pamahalaan. Ang tulong ng pamahalaan ay sa pamamagitan ng mga institusyon tulad ng mga
paaralan, ang simbahan at ang pamayanan.
Sa batas rin na ito makikita ang karapatan ng bawat bata na dapat ipatupad sa mga wala pang 21 na
taong gulang. Ang mga ito ay:
(1) Every child is endowed with the dignity and worth of a human being from the moment of his
conception, as generally accepted in medical parlance, and has, therefore, the right to be born well.
(2) Every child has the right to a wholesome family life that will provide him with love, care and
understanding, guidance and counseling, and moral and material security.
The dependent or abandoned child shall be provided with the nearest substitute for a home.
(3) Every child has the right to a well-rounded development of his personality to the end that he may
become a happy, useful and active member of society.
The gifted child shall be given opportunity and encouragement to develop his special talent