Magna Carta of the Out-of-school Youth

Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE Office of the secretary REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session APR 22 P2:05 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2064 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL-YOUTH EXPLANATORY NOTE According to a November 2025 discussion paper by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), the national out-of-school children rate decreased from 5.9% (1.64 million children) in 2017 to 4.1% (1.16 million children) in 2022. In 2023, the numbers went up slightly at 4.9%. With work being the strongest predictor of non-attendance among high school-aged children at a 35-percentage point on the likelihood of being out of school followed by marriage as a more significant impact with a 67-percentage point increase in the probability among older youth to be non- participant in school. In the Section 13, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, it is stated that it is the policy of the State to recognize the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall promote and protect the physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-being. While legislation in creating alternative learning systems, flexibility, and affordability for education are in place, it is imperative to consider the other barriers hidden from surveys. This measure seeks to support the out-of-school youth through social protection that encourages enrichment which helps them achieve their full potential creating a positive externality in nation-building. This measure also aims to provide the out of-school youth with programs such as an alternative learning system, entrepreneurial education, and free technical or vocational education and employment and economic opportunities.

In view of the foregoing, immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought. RAFFY T. TULFO fog

Senate Office of the Secretarp TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session APR 22 P2:05 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 2064 Introduced by Senator Raffy T. Tulfo AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A MAGNA CARTA OF THE OUT-OF-SCHOOL-YOUTH Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress Assembled: CHAPTER I GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Magna Carta of the

4 Out-of-School Youth."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - Article II, Section 11 of the Constitution provides

6 that the State values the dignity of every human person and guarantees full respect for human rights. Pursuant to the aforementioned mandate, the State recognizes the rights of the out-of-school youth (OSY) to social protection and to the development of their full potential as partners in nation-building.

Sec. 3. Objectives. - The objectives of this Act are as follows:

a) To recognize, protect, and promote the rights of the OSYs; b) To encourage and empower the OSYs to contribute to nation-building; c) To give full support to the improvement of the total well-being of the OSYs by providing learning and employment opportunities as well as the needed social services and interventions; and d) To recognize the important role of the private sector in improving the welfare of the OSYs and to actively seek their partnership. CHAPTER II DEFINITION OF TERMS

Sec. 4. Alternative Learning System (ALS) refers to a parallel learning system in

2 the Philippines that provides a practical option to the existing formal instruction and 3 equivalent pathways to basic education. It includes both the non-formal and informal 4 sources of knowledge and skills.

Sec. 5. Candidate Out-of-School Youth refers to a member of the population aged

6 twelve (12) to seventeen (17) years old who is likely to become an OSY. 7 The Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHEd), and 8 Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) shall identify factors that shall be considered in determining who may qualify as Candidate Out-of-School Youth, which may include but is not limited to the following: a) Family is below the poverty threshold b) Single parent family c) Consistently absent and unenrolled youth for long periods of time, especially pregnant girls and teenage parents d) Former OSY e) Young people currently enrolled in the Alternative Learning System (ALS)

Sec. 6. Out-of-School Youth (OSY) refers to a member of the population aged

fifteen (15) to thirty years (30) old who is not gainfully and sustainably employed, has not been enrolled in an educational institution within the immediately preceding period of at least six months, and has not completed formal or non-formal secondary or technical vocational education.

Sec. 7. Out-of-School Youth from Especially Difficult Circumstances refers to OSYs

who are in especially difficult circumstances such as victims of sexual and physical abuse, illegal recruitment, prostitution, trafficking, armed conflict, persons with disabilities, OSYs in conflict with the law, and such other related circumstances which have caused functional incapacity in society.

Sec. 8. Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) refers to the education

or training process designed at post-secondary and lower tertiary levels, officially recognized as non-degree programs aimed at preparing technicians, paraprofessionals and other categories of middle-level workers by providing them with a broad range of general education, theoretical, scientific and technological studies, and related job skills training.

Sec. 9. TVET Graduate refers to a student or trainee who has completed the

2 requirements set for a TESDA-registered TVET course or program. CHAPTER III RIGHTS

Sec. 10. Human Rights of Out-of-School Youth. - An OSY shall enjoy, without

6 discrimination, all rights provided for in the Constitution and those rights recognized 7 under international instruments duly ratified by the Philippines.

Sec. 11. Non-Discrimination. - OSYs shall be protected against any discriminatory

9 practice on the sole basis of their status as such. This shall include any discriminatory 10 practice that shall hinder or otherwise minimize their participation in or access to education, employment, entrepreneurship, healthcare, justice, local governance, community-building, and other services

Sec. 12. Representation. - OSYs shall have the right to be dignifiedly represented

within the appropriate government structure, non-government bodies, and other concerned private entities. The sector's issues and concerns shall also have the right 16 of representation in media, film, and such other platforms as may be present.

Sec. 13. Special Protection. - OSYs shall have the right to be protected from

violence and all forms of abuse, such as sexual and physical abuse, illegal recruitment, prostitution, trafficking, and armed conflict. Furthermore, Candidate OSYs and OSYs in especially difficult circumstances shall be provided with services and interventions as necessary.

Sec. 14. Recognition and Preservation of Cultural Identity and Integrity. - The

rights of Moro and indigenous OSYs to practice, promote, protect, and preserve their own culture, traditions, and institutions and to consider these rights in the formulation and implementation of national policies and programs shall be upheld. Provided, these cultural systems and practices do not discriminate against other OSYs who do not belong to the Moro or Indigenous Peoples.

Sec. 15. Preferential Treatment. - In order to achieve societal equity, economically

marginalized OSYs and OSY from especially difficult circumstances, shall receive the right to preferential treatment in terms of the creation and implementation of policies, programs, and projects, with reference to the following:

a) Education. OSYs shall have the right to be provided access to formal, informal, and non-formal learning opportunities, including but not limited to, scholarship programs, alternative education programs, vocational training, skills development, and literacy programs. Further, support shall also be provided to facilitate the reintegration of OSYs into formal or non-formal educational pathways. b) Employment. OSYs shall have the right to decent work and work standards after completing the ALS or TVET courses. Furthermore, OSYs have the right to be protected against extremely hazardous and exploitative labor. c) Entrepreneurship. OSYs shall have the right to be provided with support for business development through policies, projects, and programs, including but not limited to, programs involving training, mentorship, and financial assistance to support the entrepreneurial endeavors of OSYs. d) Engagement. OSYs shall have the right to exercise active citizenship, including but not limited to, community building, civic engagement, volunteerism, and leadership development. Such participation shall be encouraged and supported through relevant policies, projects, and programs. e) Health. OSYs shall have the right to access comprehensive health services, including physical, mental, and reproductive health care. This shall include, but shall not be limited to, available and affordable health services tailored to the needs of OSYs, including counseling, preventive care, and other forms of psychosocial support. f) Social Services. OSYs shall be protected from systemic vulnerabilities and challenges, and shall have the right to the development and implementation of social services. CHAPTER IV PREVENTION

Sec. 16. Formal and Non-formal Education Institutions. - Formal and non-formal

educational institutions shall, at the end of every semester, identify students who may qualify as Candidate OSYs and report to their respective LGUs and DepEd, TESDA, or CHED, as applicable. Data collected will strictly be used only for the benefit of 32 Candidate OSYs or OSYs.

Private and Public formal and non-formal educational institutions shall 2 promulgate internal guidelines for a referral system for Candidate OSYs, which shall 3 include career development support, and referral to ALS and TVET courses.

Sec. 17. Local Government Units. - Local Government Units (LGUs), through the

5 Local School Boards, shall develop a Peer Reporting Mechanism that shall allow 6 stakeholders in formal and non-formal educational institutions to identify students who 7 may qualify as Candidate OSYs.

Sec. 18. Local OSY Database. - Local Governments shall identify and track the

9 number of OSYs and Candidate OSYs within their jurisdiction. The database shall be 10 gathered from the Peer Reporting Mechanism, and the data collected by formal and non-formal educational institutions. The database shall be submitted to NYC on an annual basis.

Sec. 19. Local Government Support for Candidate OSY. - LGUs, through the Local

School Boards, may allocate their Special Education Fund Tax to assist Candidate OSYs in their database including but not limited to: a) Subsidy to pay for their school fees; b) Provision of Transportation allowance c) Provision of meals allowance; and d) Provision for textbook and materials allowance Furthermore, LGUs, with formal and non-formal educational institutions, shall develop and implement programs that will reduce the number of teenage pregnancies and early marriages.

Sec. 20. Non-Discrimination Against Pregnant Youth. - formal and non-formal

educational institutions shall not dismiss or prohibit the enrollment of youth for the sole reason of their pregnancy. These institutions shall develop a special curriculum to allow the continued enrollment of pregnant girls before and after their pregnancy

Sec. 21. Government Agencies. - DepEd, CHED, TESDA, and Department of

Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), shall develop and conduct other programs to support Candidate OSYs. Furthermore, DSWD shall consider the inclusion of households or institutions housing Candidate OSY in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. CHAPTER V

GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT

Sec. 22. Government Assistance. - The National Government, through its

3 agencies and instrumentalities shall provide the following: a. Education - The DepEd, TESDA, and the CHED, in consultation with the non- government organizations (NGOs), shall institute programs and implement policies that will ensure access of OSYs to formal and non-formal education; b. Health - The Department of Health (DOH), in coordination with local government units (LGUs) and NGOs, shall institute a national health program and provide an integral health service for OSYs; c. Social Service and Social Protection - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), in cooperation with the LGUs, NGOs, and other relevant stakeholders shall develop and implement programs on social services for out-of-school youth while the National Anti-Poverty Commission and concerned agencies shall institute for the OSYs policies and programs that seek to reduce poverty and vulnerability to risks by mandating their employers to provide mandatory life, accident, and health insurance coverage. d. Employment - The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), in coordination with other government agencies such as the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and TESDA, shall assess, design, and implement training programs that will provide skills and welfare or livelihood support for OSYs.

Sec. 23. Local Government Support for OSY. - LGUs, through the Local School

Boards, may allocate their Special Education Fund Tax, in addition to other sources of funds, to assist OSYs in their database including but not limited to: a) Subsidy to pay for their school fees, provided; b) Provision of transportation allowance c) Provision of meals allowance; and d) Provision for textbook and materials allowance

LGUs shall identify a percentage of their available scholarships reserved for OSY 2 and candidate OSY, provided that, no LGU shall allocate no lower than 30% of its 3 scholarships to OSYs. CHAPTER VI MANDATORY TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Sec. 24. Alternative Learning System. - DepEd shall make ALS widely available,

7 accessible, and free of charge to OSYs to earn and complete their basic education. 8 Schools shall provide the academic or training records of students who dropped out of school to facilitate enrollment in ALS. For OSYs who are under the care and custody of a home or an institution managed or accredited by DSWD and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the latter shall coordinate with the DepEd for the provision of an ALS within its premises.

Sec. 25. TESDA Support. - The TESDA shall provide technical and vocational

education services to OSYs free of charge. TESDA shall assign officials and staff at the central and local levels to develop, implement, and monitor technical or vocational education opportunities for OSYs.

Sec. 26. Promotion to Formal Tertiary Education. - Upon completion of basic

education in either formal or non-formal institutions, DepEd or LGUs shall endorse 20 OSYs who are interested in pursuing formal tertiary education to CHED. Educational institutions shall be required to provide academic records of OSYs who completed basic education via formal education or ALS. CHED shall facilitate the access of the OSY to scholarships under either Republic 24 Act No. 10931, otherwise known as the "Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act" or Republic Act No. 10687, otherwise known as the "Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UniFAST) Act." CHED shall set and streamline documentary and other requirements, such as the maintaining grade for OSYs, considering their special circumstances. An OSY who is a recipient of any CHED scholarship grant shall execute a scholarship bond, subject to the condition of rendering at least two (2) years of service to the government upon completion thereof.

Sec. 27. Entrepreneurial Education. - The Department of Trade and Industry

2 (DTI) shall, in coordination with DepEd, TESDA, and other relevant government 3 agencies, conduct training programs to provide the OSYs with the knowledge, skills, 4 and motivation to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors in a variety of settings. These programs shall include small business management, new approaches to innovation, 6 participation in the digital gig economy, developing creativity or the introduction of 7 new products or services to the markets, and providing aid to nascent entrepreneurial 8 undertakings to grow and sustain the business of the OSYs. Both public and private higher education institutions shall set a minimum number 10 of admissions of returning OSYs, scholarship grants, and other financial support to OSYs.

Sec. 28. Education Cost and Support. - DepEd and TESDA shall provide ALS and

technical and vocational education services to OSYs free of charge. It shall likewise provide materials, instruments, and tools that the OSYs may need while enrolled in ALS or a technical/vocational course, and financial support to cover transportation and other related costs for the duration of training. DepEd and TESDA shall seek the support of LGUs, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), government agencies, non-government organizations, the private sector, the academe, and other duty bearers to ensure that OSYs will be supported when undergoing their studies or training. CHAPTER VII EMPLOYMENT AND ENTREPRENEURIAL FACILITATION

Sec. 29. Employment. - OSYs who have the capacity and desire to work shall be

provided employment opportunities to enable their transition as productive members of society. Employers shall not discriminate against the selection of OSYs, ALS learners and graduates, and TESDA students and graduates, who meet the necessary job qualifications

Sec. 30. Entrepreneurial Facilitation. - The DTI shall establish a community-

based method of addressing the needs and barriers facing OSY entrepreneurs. The objective of entrepreneurial facilitation is to encourage and retain a diverse and robust local entrepreneurial economy that leads to more opportunities for OSYs. The DTI shall coordinate the entrepreneurial facilitation with the LGUs, SKs, institutionalized OSY development alliances, and its members.

Sec. 31. Entrepreneurship Training. - The DTI, in coordination with TESDA,

2 LGUs, and other relevant government agencies, shall conduct skills and training 3 programs, and strengthen initiatives on youth entrepreneurship to provide OSYs with 4 knowledge, skills, and opportunities to engage in entrepreneurial endeavors. These programs shall include: a. Institutionalization and localization of a comprehensive youth entrepreneurship training program; b. Facilitation of learning of new and sustainable approaches to innovation and business management through engagement with the private sector, private or non-government organizations; c. Regular skills enhancement training and mentorship or coaching sessions for youth business owners; and d. Increasing access of OSYs to start-up support and capital, microfinancing/microcredit, and loan for businesses through specific targeting and provision of slots directly for them.

Sec. 32. Right To Decent Work. - DOLE, in coordination with DepEd, and TESDA,

shall ensure decent work standards for OSYs who have graduated from secondary education (formal and ALS) and TVET courses, including the following minimum guarantees: a. Local job generation and employment, economic opportunities, and providing strict regulations against forced and involuntary displacement; b. Protection of the rights and promotion of the welfare of migrant secondary education (formal and ALS) and TVET graduates regardless of work status, and protection against discrimination in wages, conditions of work, and employment opportunities in host countries; and c. Opportunities for work shall be productive and fairly remunerative as family living wage, security of tenure in the workplace, and better prospects for personal development and social integration.

Sec. 33. Mandatory Provision of Records - Educational and training institutions

shall provide OSYs academic and/or training records within 15 days to facilitate the

1 employment or further education of OSYs. Any cost relating to such matter shall be 2 shouldered by the local governments through the Special Education Tax Fund.

Sec. 34. Tax Benefits for Entities Employing OSY. - Private entities that will

4 employ OSY as employees, upon the effectivity of this Act, shall be entitled to an 5 additional deduction from their gross income, equivalent to fifteen percent (15%) of 6 the total amount paid as salaries and wages to qualified OSY within the first six (6) 7 months of their employment, subject to the provision of Section 34 of the NIRC, as amended: Provided, however, That such employment shall continue for a period of at least six (6) months: Provided, further, That the annual income of the OSY does not exceed the latest poverty threshold as determined by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for that year. CHAPTER VII HEALTH SUPPORT

Sec. 35. Health. - The Department of Health (DOH) shall, in coordination with

LGUs, and other relevant stakeholders, institute a national health program and provide comprehensive and integrated health services tailored to the needs of OSY. DOH shall undertake the following: a. Create and implement policies and programs that increase equitable access to health services such as: i. Medical and psychosocial support, including accessible mental healthcare, family and peer-driven counseling, and support for domestic abuse; ii. Adolescent sexual and reproductive healthcare; iii. Support for substance abuse covering prevention, drug education, drug awareness, and rehabilitative support; iv. Occupational healthcare and special protection in hazardous environments; and V. Social health insurance coverage. b. Conduct health education and awareness campaigns to disseminate information regarding health issues and concerns relevant to OSYs and their families.

c. Organize training and facilitate re-tooling of healthcare services to offer confidential and non-judgmental healthcare on highly sensitive health issues, focusing on reproductive health, mental health, substance abuse prevention, social work, and other relevant issues. d. Integrate health services into other programs targeting OSYs, such as education, vocational training, and community development initiatives. CHAPTER VIII SOCIAL SERVICES AND SOCIAL PROTECTION

Sec. 36. Social Services. - The DSWD, in cooperation with LGUs, and other

relevant stakeholders, shall develop and implement a national program on social services for OSYs and OSYs in especially difficult circumstances, the components of which are: a. Social Enhancement Services, which provide OSYs with opportunities for socializing, organizing creative expression, and improvement of self; b. After Care Services that provide support for OSYs who are discharged from the homes or institutions of the DSWD, and other private institutions duly accredited by the DSWD, especially those who have problems with reintegration with family and the community; c. Creation of projects, policies, and programs that provide access to social enhancement services, including organizing, creating expression, self- improvement, promotion of well-being, and decreasing the stigma that surrounds OSYs; d. Social Case Management that includes a comprehensive, updated list and detailed profile of all known OSYs in the respective localities to provide age- appropriate social service interventions e. Ensure the implementation of the human rights of OSYs, including but not limited to the provision for social insurance and intervention and diversion programs aligned with the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act; f. Special programs and policies for OSY youth from indigenous communities covering educational and financial assistance, folding into the Comprehensive Program for Street Children, Street Families, and Indigenous People, and following the Indigenous Peoples Participation Framework (IPPF);

g. Integration of social services into other programs targeting OSYs.

Sec. 37. Social Protection. - The National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and

concerned agencies shall institute policies and programs that seek to reduce the poverty and vulnerability to risks of OSYs by protecting them against the financial hazards of a sudden loss of income and improving their capacity to manage risks. Further, the State shall ensure that OSY workers, secondary education (formal and 7 ALS), and TVET graduates shall be provided by their employer with mandatory life, 8 accident, and health insurance coverage. CHAPTER IX OSY ENGAGEMENT

Sec. 38. Engagement. - The NYC, in coordination with the SKs, and Local Youth

Development Councils (LYDC) and the Local Youth Development Office (LYDO), shall ensure and encourage the engagement and participation of OSYs in community activities and decision-making. It shall institute initiatives such as: a. Election of at least one (1) OSY-led organization registered under the Youth Organization Registration Program (YORP) to the LYDC to ensure inclusion and representation of OSYs in local youth development; b. Capacitate SK officials and LYDC representatives on planning and implementation of OSY programs and activities c. Submission of Annual Situationer Report on OSYs per LGU to ensure that policies and programs are being developed and implemented; d. Consultation or townhall sessions with OSYs as part of the assessment of their needs and to determine their advocacies; e. Include OSY-related programs and initiatives in the Local Youth Development Plan per LGU; f. Initiate and implement, in coordination with concerned government agencies and departments, private or non-governmental organizations, and in consultation with OSYs, programs, and projects designed to promote the general welfare, development, and empowerment of the OSYs; and g. Promote participation and involvement of OSYs in all youth activities at the local and national level.

CHAPTER X ESPECIALLY DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCE

Sec. 39. Programs for OSY in Especially Difficult Circumstances. -

4 OSYs who are in especially difficult circumstances shall be provided with services and interventions as necessary such as: a. Temporary protective custody; b. Medical and dental services; c. Psychological evaluation; d. Counseling; e. Psychiatric evaluation; f. Legal services; g. productivity skill capacity building; h. Livelihood assistance; i. Financial assistance; j. Life skills training; and k. Health education and information.

Sec. 40. Inter-Agency Support. - The NYC, in coordination with the DSWD, DOJ,

DOH, DepEd and the Advisory Council created under R.A. No. 8044, and concerned LGUs shall lead in facilitating, implementing, monitoring and planning programs for the rehabilitation of OSYs.

Sec. 41. Duty of the LGU. - It is the duty of the LGU where the OSY resides to

deliver the necessary services and interventions under their respective jurisdictions. CHAPTER XII ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT

Sec. 42. Creation of the OSY Coordination Council to Provide Special Protection

for Out-of-School Youth. - To ensure effective coordination and collaboration among the relevant government agencies and stakeholders involved in providing support and interventions for OSY in the Philippines, a Coordination Council to Provide Special Protection for Out-of-School Youth, hereinafter called the Coordination Council, is hereby created with the following powers and functions:

a) Monitor and coordinate the performance and implementation of mandates of concerned agencies, such as, but not limited to, the NYC, Deped, DSWD, among others; b) Establish policies and procedures for coordination among agencies involved in the implementation of this Act; c) Submit reports and recommendations to the Congressional Committees on Youth and Finance on the implementation of this Act; d) Provide policy recommendations to agencies involved in the implementation of this Act to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of this Act. Within three (3) months from the effectivity of this Act, the Coordination Council shall convene and draft a manual of procedures containing the rules for the conduct of meetings and decision-making, among others.

Sec. 43. Lead Agency. - The NYC shall oversee and ensure the implementation

of the provisions of this Act in coordination with the agencies that shall comprise the inter-agency Coordination Council, and shall have the power to issue other policies, rules, regulations, and standards for such implementation. In line with this mandate, the NYC shall convene and lead the inter-agency Coordination Council.

Sec. 44. Composition of the Coordination Council. - The Coordination Council

shall be composed of the following: a) NYC as Chairperson of the Coordination Council; b) Council for the Welfare of Children as Vice-Chairperson; c) DSWD as Vice-Chairperson; d) One (1) representative from each of the following agencies, to be approved by the Coordination Council Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, after having been nominated by their respective agencies: i) DepEd; ii) CHED; iii) TESDA; iv) DOH; v) DILG; vi) DTI; vii) NAPC;

vili) DOJ; and ix) Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC). The Department Secretaries or Chairpersons may designate permanent and alternate authorized representatives to the Coordination Council. e) One (1) representative from the Union of Local Authorities in the Philippines (ULAP), to be approved by the Board Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson, after having been nominated. f) One (1) sectoral representative from OSY organizations. g) Representatives from civil society.

Sec. 45. Term. - The representatives shall serve for a term of three (3) years.

11 Any member of the Coordination Council may, upon observance of due process and completion of proper investigation, be suspended or removed by the Chairperson from office for cause, such as such as gross neglect of duty, unethical or dishonorable conduct, final conviction of any crime involving moral turpitude, any act of graft and corruption, Provided, that, a majority of members of the Coordination Council may vote to suspend or remove the Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson for cause. The members of the Coordination Council shall receive per diem at rates to be determined by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), in accordance with existing rules and regulations.

Sec. 46. Coordination Council Responsibilities. - The Coordination Council shall:

a) Coordinate and align programs, policies, strategies, and activities to enforce the provisions of this Act, as applicable; b) Monitor and evaluate the implementation of this Act; c) Develop and regularly implement a nationwide information, education, and communications (IEC) campaign to raise awareness about this Act and the need to provide special protection and support for OSY d) Ensure that strategies specific for OSYs are integrated in the Philippine Youth Development Plan; and e) Develop and implement programs and activities to build the capacity of the Coordination Council members to fulfill their mandates and functions under this Act.

The Coordination Council may, as necessary, coordinate and collaborate with 2 other government agencies, civil society and non-government organizations, and 3 individual experts that have relevant mandates and/or expertise that may be useful to 4 accomplish its functions under this Act.

Sec. 47. Meeting Frequency and Reporting. - The Coordination Council shall

6 convene at least quarterly, and often as needed, to assess the progress of 7 implementation of this Act, address challenges, and develop strategies for improvement.

Sec. 48. Roles and Responsibilities of Concerned Agencies. - In addition to those

10 mentioned above, the following agencies shall perform the following additional duties and responsibilities: a) The NYC shall: (1) Establish and maintain an updated database of OSYs at the national and local levels; (2) Assess the needs of the OSYs and recommend to concerned agencies the necessary interventions to address them; (3) Capacitate the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), Task Force on Youth Development, and Local Youth Development Council (LYDC) to implement the provisions of this Act at the local level; and (4) Coordinate with concerned government agencies, private or NGOs, the necessary programs and projects designed to promote the general welfare, development, and empowerment of the OSYs as part of the multi-stakeholder plan of action for the OSYs. b) The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall: (1) Identify learning opportunities and establish programs for the OSYs such as returning to formal schooling, enrolling in the ALS, pursuing TVET for those who are not fully equipped to return to in-school education; (2) Provide materials, instruments, and tools needed by the OSYs; and (3) Monitor the progress of the OSYs. c) The Local Social Welfare and Development Officer. - The Local Social Welfare and Development Officer shall:

(1) Draw up a list of available and required services which can be provided for OSYs; (2) Maintain and regularly update on an annual basis the list of OSYs and to issue nationally uniform Individual Identification cards free of charge, which shall be valid anywhere in the country; (3) Serve as a focal person on the dissemination of general information and feedback in regard to the needs of the OSYs; (4) Report to the Mayor, any individual, establishment, business entity, institution, or agent found violating any provision of this Act; (5) Report to the Mayor, any individual, establishment, business entity, institution, or agency found violating any provision of this Act; (6) Coordinate with the Coordination Council to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Act; and (7) Monitor the compliance of government institutions as well as private establishments to prominently display information materials such as posters, banners and pamphlets that will generate public awareness on the rights and welfare of OSYs. d) The SK, LYDO, and LYDC shall: (1) Initiate and implement, in coordination with concerned government agencies, private or NGOs, programs and projects designed to promote the general welfare, development, and empowerment of the OSYs; (2) Promulgate resolutions, in consultation with the Katipunan ng Kabataan, necessary to carry out the objectives for the OSYs in the barangay; (3) Assist in the mapping out of the OSYs in every barangay; (4) Conduct programs and activities for the OSYs which are in line with the Comprehensive Barangay Youth Development Plan and the applicable provisions of this Act; (5) Partner with other youth-serving agencies and organizations in planning and executing projects and programs of specific advocacies for the OSYs such as health and anti-drug abuse, including reproductive health, disaster risk reduction and resiliency, employment and livelihood, gender sensitivity, and sports development; and

(6) The Panlalawigang Pederasyon ng mga SK shall submit an annual situationer report on the OSYs of their respective provinces to the NYC. e) The LGUs shall: (1) Ensure the database creation and mapping out of OSYs at the municipal, city, and barangay levels; (2) Mobilize the SK and the LYDCs to assist in the delivery of the necessary services and interventions for the OSYs under their respective jurisdictions; (3) Provide programs for the OSYs, including back-to-school transition, enrollment in the ALS or TVET, provision of counseling, and mental and reproductive health services in the barangay, municipal, and city levels; and (4) Set targets on the number of OSYs to be back in school, enrolled in ALS or TVET, and availed of the social protection programs: Provided, That the LGUs shall, through the Community Training and Employment Coordinators or duly designated LGU personnel, monitor the progress and development of the OSYs in the chosen technical vocational course by requiring the technical vocational institutions to submit, among others, regular enrollment and completion reports of the programs being implemented. f) The Department of Agriculture (DA) through the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries shall, in coordination with LGUs and DA, ensure the inclusion of the OSYs through their organizations to be represented in the agriculture and fishery councils from the national down to the regional and local levels to ensure full engagement of OSYs in agricultural development.

Sec. 50. Reporting. - All concerned agencies shall also report to the Coordinating

Council as to the status of the implementation of all mandates assigned, agreed upon by the Coordinating Council, and provided in this law, including but not limited to: (1) The DepEd, CHED, and TESDA shall provide a report detailing the following: (a) Number of Candidate OSY, and OSYs

(b) Number of former Candidate OSY and OSYs and the program they transitioned into (c) Number of Candidate OSYs and OSYs currently enrolled in ALS and TVET (2) DOLE shall report on the existing work standard for OSYs in coordination with LGUs, relevant offices, and organizations. (3) DOH shall report the number of OSYs currently enrolled in the national health program (4) DSWD shall report on best practices identified by the LSWO on OSY prevention and protection. The NYC shall consolidate the reports submitted to the Coordinating Council and report to the Office of the President and to the Senate and House Committees on Youth on the Status of OSYs in the country. CHAPTER XIII PENALTIES

Sec. 51. Penalties. - Any person who violates any provision of this Act shall,

upon conviction, suffer the following penalties: a) For the first violation, imprisonment of not less than six (6) months but not more than two (2) years and fine of not less than Fifty Thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00); b) For any subsequent violation, imprisonment of not less than two (2) years but not more than six (6) years and a fine of not less than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00) but not more than Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,000.00); c) For any person who avails of any of the benefits and privileges granted under this Act but who is not qualified to avail of the same, imprisonment of not less than six (6) months and a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos (P50,000.00) but not more than One hundred thousand pesos (P100,000.00); d) If the offender is a corporation, organization or any similar entity, the officials thereof directly involved in the violation or abuse shall be held liable. e) If the offender is an alien or a foreigner, the person shall be deported immediately upon service of sentence without further proceedings.

Upon filing of the appropriate complaint or information, the proper authorities, 2 in coordination with the concerned LGU, shall cause the cancellation or revocation of 3 the business permit, permit to operate, franchise and other similar privileges granted 4 to any business entity or person that fails to abide by or violates the provisions of this 5 Act. CHAPTER XIV FINAL PROVISIONS

Sec. 52. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the effective implementation

9 of this Act shall be included in the budget of the concerned government agencies in 10 the annual General Appropriations Act;

Sec 53. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Advisory Council created

under Republic Act No. 8044 shall promulgate, not later than thirty (30) days upon the effectivity of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act: Provided, That the failure to promulgate the rules and regulations shall not prevent the implementation of this Act upon its effectivity.

Sec. 54. Separability Clause. - If any provisions of this Act, is declared

unconstitutional, the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

Sec. 55. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, issuances, rules and

regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with that provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly;

Sec. 56. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after Its

publication in the Official Gazette or In a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,