The Child and Youth Welfare Code (Presidential Decree No. 603) is a foundational law declaring the rights of the child and setting out the responsibilities of parents, the family, the community, and the State toward children. It enumerates the rights of every child, including the right to be born well, to a wholesome family life, to a well-rounded development and a happy home, to protection against exploitation, cruelty, and neglect, to education, to good moral and civic training, and to be brought up in an atmosphere of love and understanding. It establishes duties of parents and provides for the care of dependent, abandoned, and neglected children, and the treatment of youthful offenders (much of which has since been supplemented and updated by later laws such as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act). While many specific mechanisms have been modernized by newer legislation, PD 603 remains a key statement of the State's policy that the child is a most important asset of the nation and deserves protection and proper development.
Presidential Decree No. 603 — the Child and Youth Welfare Code — is a foundational statement of the rights and welfare of Filipino children.
What It Is
PD 603 declares the rights of the child and the responsibilities of parents, the family, the community, and the State toward children. It rests on the policy that the child is a most important asset of the nation.
The Rights of the Child
It enumerates rights including:
- The right to be born well and to a wholesome family life;
- The right to a well-rounded development and a happy home;
- Protection against exploitation, cruelty, and neglect;
- The right to education and to good moral and civic training; and
- To be brought up in an atmosphere of love and understanding.
Responsibilities and Protection
The Code establishes duties of parents and provides for the care of dependent, abandoned, and neglected children, as well as the framework (in its time) for the treatment of youthful offenders. It set up much of the early architecture of Philippine child welfare.
Updated by Later Laws
Many specific mechanisms of PD 603 have since been supplemented and modernized by newer legislation — notably the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344) for children in conflict with the law, and RA 7610 for special protection against abuse. But PD 603 remains a key statement of policy on children's rights.
Practical Takeaways
- PD 603 (the Child and Youth Welfare Code) declares the rights of the child and the duties of family, community, and State;
- It covers development, protection, education, and the care of neglected children;
- Its specific mechanisms have been updated by later laws (RA 9344, RA 7610), but it remains a foundational policy statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Child and Youth Welfare Code? Presidential Decree No. 603, a foundational law declaring the rights of the child and the responsibilities of parents, the family, the community, and the State toward children.
What rights does PD 603 give children? Among others, the right to be born well, to a wholesome family life and happy home, to a well-rounded development, to protection against exploitation and neglect, to education, and to good moral and civic training.
Has PD 603 been updated? Yes. Many specific mechanisms have been supplemented and modernized by later laws, such as the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (RA 9344) and RA 7610 on special protection against abuse.
Is PD 603 still relevant? Yes. Although later laws have updated its mechanisms, PD 603 remains a key statement of the State's policy that the child is a most important asset of the nation deserving protection and proper development.
This commentary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a licensed attorney.
If you have questions about your rights or options under Philippine law, our firm is available to assist. You may reach us via Viber or WhatsApp, call us at 0995 433 5550, or send an email to vivasnobles@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you.