President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. rallied local government units (LGUs) officials, educators, and parents on Thursday to work more closely to ensure the success of the government’s child development projects.
“The government continues to find ways to support our children so they can grow, they can thrive, and reach full potential,” President Marcos said.
“Through health and community programs, we remain committed to helping them become productive members of our society,” he said.
The President spoke during the ceremonial signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the creation of Child Development Centers (CDCs) by LGUs.
In his speech, he stressed the importance of early childhood education in the Philippines, which he said justified the need for setting up CDCs.
According to the President, some barangays nationwide still lack CDC facilities despite existing legislation.
Republic Act No. 6972, enacted in 1990, mandates the creation of a daycare center in every barangay to provide comprehensive care and protection for children under each barangay and for each barangay to have at least one CDC.
However, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) reported that 3,800 barangays in the country have no CDCs.
The Chief Executive said the government’s success in this initiative requires the full commitment of LGUs.
He stressed the need to support childhood development teachers and workers by providing them with the necessary resources while encouraging active community participation in CDCs.
“To every official and worker who believes in the power of this endeavor, I am confident that your work here will positively impact our children, our families, and then our communities,” the President said.
The President also urged parents to “take the time to read stories” to their children, saying it was “time well invested.”
On March 4, the President instructed the DBM to prioritize funding for establishing CDCs, particularly in low-income areas. LGUs are expected to shoulder additional costs as part of their counterpart’s obligation to complete the project.
“Today we gather with one goal: to create a better and brighter future for our children. Today, our agencies are working hard to make our education system right for our students,” the President said.
“Sa pamamagitan ng mga CDCs, magkakaroon ng maayos na pundasyon ang ating mga anak na siya namang magpapatibay sa pundasyon ng ating bansa,” he added.
The government has identified 328 low-income barangays, 89 in Luzon, 106 in Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including BARMM, that will receive funding to support early childhood development initiatives.
Other initiatives to support children’s health, nutrition, and development include the First 1,000 Days cash grant, feeding programs, and the Walang Gutom Program. | PND
