Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian on Thursday led the signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of a law enriching the knowledge and skills of Filipino parents and parent-substitutes in responding to their parental duties and responsibilities.

Republic Act (RA) 11908 or “the Parent Effectiveness Service (PES) Program Act” and its IRR also seek to protect and promote children’s rights, foster positive early childhood development and advance their educational progress.

In his message, Gatchalian said the DSWD ensured that there will be necessary programs and services for the parents and other parent-substitutes to expand their knowledge and skills in proper parenting.

He pointed out that with the signing of the law’s IRR, “parents and parent-substitutes will be equipped with lessons that will enrich their understanding of themselves as parents and guardians.”

“Likewise, they will be able to respond more effectively to their parental duties and responsibilities, especially in the areas of early childhood development, behavior management of younger and older children, husband-wife relationships, prevention of child abuse, health care, and other challenges of parenting,” Gatchalian said.

The law, he said, is expected to increase parents’ awareness and understanding of themselves that affects their role performance as fathers, mothers and carers towards children under their care and custody.

It will also develop and enhance parental values, attitudes and behavior as they learn and grow to fulfill their duties and responsibilities towards their children, family and the community, he added.

He said the signing of the IRR “signifies our collective commitment to upholding the values and principles enshrined in this legislation and our dedication to ensuring its effective implementation for the betterment of our society.”

He expressed the DSWD’s gratitude to the lawmakers who championed the enactment of RA 11908 and to the partner agencies in crafting the IRR.

The DSWD, in coordination with other concerned agencies that assisted the Department in the implementation of the PES Program, spearheaded the crafting of the IRR.

“As our partners in crafting the IRR, may you once again be one with us in making sure that the law will be fully implemented and that all children and families will benefit from it,” he said.

Aside from Gatchalian, signing the IRR were Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla represented by Assistant Secretary Majken Anika Gran-Ong; Interior and Local Government Secretary Atty. Benjamin Abalos Jr., represented by Assistant Secretary, Rolando Puno; Health Secretary Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, represented by Assistant Secretary Maylene Beltran; and Early Childhood Care and Development Council Officer-in-Charge Vice Chairperson Rommel Isip. (PNA)