Save the Children believes that every child deserves a future.
In the Philippines, caring for children is deeply rooted in our culture. There are many ways of raising children to be the best that they can be when they grow up.
However, traditional Filipino approaches, often characterized by physical and humiliating punishments, may have served its purpose already. In a world constantly evolving where children play a larger role in society, how can we ensure the best possible upbringing for children?
The 1987 Constitution recognizes the family as the nation's foundation, requiring the government to protect children's rights to survival, protection, and development.
Sadly, 8 out of 10 children have experienced some form of physical violence in their lifetime, according to the 2016 National Baseline Study on Violence against Children. The Council for the Welfare of Children reaffirmed and found that corporal punishment is the most common form of violence experienced by children in the home (60%) and in school (14.3%).
The World Health Organization warns that physical and humiliating punishments, including spanking, slapping, pinching, and verbal abuse – among others, both have immediate and long-term negative effects to children as they grow up.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way.
The Positive Parenting of Children's Act seeks to support parents in raising their children in love, dignity, and respect, by promoting non-violent and solution-focused approaches and providing access to inclusive and effective parenting programs and services.
At present, the Positive Parenting Bill is currently under consideration in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Authored by Senator Risa Hontiveros (Senate Bill 2036), and Representatives Angelica Natasha A. Co (House Bill 8306), and Bernadette Herrera Dy (HB 1269), it includes these key features:
1. Developing a Comprehensive Program for the promotion of Positive Parenting to parents;
2. Protecting children from physical and humiliating punishment;
3. Creating mechanisms for reporting such punishment;
4. Providing interventions and support to parents and caregivers;
5. Issuing a barangay protection order if a child's safety is at risk;
6. Granting immunity from prosecution to those who report abuse in good faith; and
7. Applying existing laws to prosecute cases of abuse in the guise of punishment.
Once enacted, the Positive Parenting of Children Act will complete the legal protection of children against violence and abuse, will align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Children, and contribute to the Sustainable Development Goal 16.2.
We earnestly request you to sign this Petition so we can urge the 19th Congress of the Philippines and the President to enact the Positive Parenting Act of Children into law.