Undersecretary for Operations Group Jerico Francis Javier — who represented Secretary Erwin Tulfo of the Department of Welfare and Social Development — led the ceremonial signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations for Republic Act 11596 or the Act Prohibiting the Practice of Child Marriage and Imposing Penalties to Violations Thereof in Quezon City, on Wednesday.

The RA 11596 is one of the DSWD's initiatives to prevent minors from entering the sacrament of marriage, and also to protect their general well-being and welfare.

The measure covers the provision of adequate assistance and programs such as legal counsel, psychological services, skill development, economic assistance, right to education, health, and other interventions necessary to protect child abuse victims of early marriage.

It also aims to punish anyone who performs or arranges the marriage of any child or minor.

The success of the development of RA 11596 is the result of the joint cooperation of various government agencies to protect every Filipino child.