ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES

SEC. 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the 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.
SEKSYON 13. Kinikilala ng Estado ang napakahalagang tungkulin ng kabataan sa
pagbuo ng bansa at dapat magtaguyod at mangalaga ng kanilang kagalingang pisikal,
moral, espiritwal, intelektwal, at sosyal. Dapat nitong ikintal sa kabataan ang
pagkamakabayan, nasyonalismo at pasiglahin ang paglahok nila sa mga gawaing bayan at
sibiko.

Youth is defined as person between the age of 15 -24 but other organizations extend it to 30. The
State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building. Compared to previous generation, today’s
youth is more knowledgeable and intelligent; it is because of the new technologies that made youth
became more educated and well-informed. The state believes that the existence of the youth is necessary
in nation building. That is why government formulated a law that will support youth in building our
nation and it is entitled R.A. No. 8044, also known as “Youth in Nation-Building Act”, which is an act
creating the National Youth Commission, establishing a National Comprehensive and coordinated
program on youth development, appropriating funds, therefor, and other purposes. The National Youth
Commission is government agency in the Philippine or sole policy-making body on youth affairs, but
also coordinates and implements some programs designed to help the youth be more aware of the issues
surrounding them. “and shall promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and
social well-being” It is a duty of the State to promote and protect the well-being of the youth for them to
become a healthy, upright, intelligent and useful citizens and potential community leaders. These
following laws are made to protect youth, it includes Presidential Decree No. 603 or also known as
“Child and Youth Welfare Code”, list the rights and responsibilities of children, and specifies the rights,
duties, and liabilities of the parents in rearing their children. Exec. Order No. 275, creates committee for
the special protection of children from all forms neglects, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, discrimination
and other prejudicial to their development and R. A. No. 8370, also known as “Children’s Television
Act of 1997” establishes a set of standards for television programs shown during child-viewing hours.
Television influences children’s perception of the values and behavior that are acceptable in the society.
In short, it seeks to protect children against violent video programming. “It shall inculcate in the youth
patriotism and nationalism” It means that positive personal and social values shall infuse in youth
national devotion and loyalty by teaching it to them persistently. ”and encourage their involvement in
public civic affairs.”. Youths must be properly trained before they become nation’s future leaders; that’s
why the government introduced NSTP on their involvement in public and civic affairs. R.A. No. 9163 or
“National Service Training Program” is designed to enhance youth’s active contribution to the general
welfare. Youth of any baccalaureate degree or at least two year courses in private or public is required to
complete one of NSTP components (CWTS, ROTC, LTS) as a requisite for graduation. Through this
program youth are enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness by developing the ethics of
service and patriotism while undergoing training programs.