Article 137. Children's Reading and Recreation Centers. - The State shall establish in every barangay
reading centers and recreation centers where children may meet and play together for their healthy
growth and their social and cultural development.
Article 138. Parent Education Program. - The Department of Social Welfare shall from time to time
hold a Parent Education Congress, which shall aim to enable parents to understand child growth and
development, parent-child relationship, family life, and family-community relationship, and to improve
their ability to discharge their duties.
Article 139. Curfew Hours for Children. - City or municipal councils may prescribe such curfew hours
for children as may be warranted by local conditions. The duty to enforce curfew ordinances shall
devolve upon the parents or guardians and the local authorities.
Any parent or guardian found grossly negligent in the performance of the duty imposed by this article
shall be admonished by the Department of Social Welfare or the Council for the Protection of Children.
Article 140. State Aid in Case of Public Calamity. - In case of earthquake, flood, storm, conflagration,
epidemic, or other calamity, the State shall give special assistance to children whenever necessary.
The Department of Social Welfare shall take immediate custody of dependent children and give
temporary shelter to orphaned or displaced children (who are separated from their parents or
guardian).
TITLE VIII.
SPECIAL CATEGORIES OF CHILDREN
CHAPTER I
Dependent, Abandoned and Neglected Children
Article 141. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Chapter:
1. A dependent child is one who is without a parent, guardian or custodian; or one
whose parents, guardian or other custodian for good cause desires to be relieved of his
care and custody; and is dependent upon the public for support.
2. An abandoned child is one who has no proper parental care or guardianship, or
whose parents or guardians have deserted him for a period of at least six continuous
months.
3. A neglected child is one whose basic needs have been deliberately unattended or
inadequately attended. Neglect may occur in two ways:
(a) There is a physical neglect when the child is malnourished, ill clad and
without proper shelter.
(b) A child is unattended when left by himself without provisions for his needs
and/or without proper supervision.
(c) Emotional neglect exists: when children are maltreated, raped or seduced;
when children are exploited, overworked or made to work under conditions not
conducive to good health; or are made to beg in the streets or public places, or
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