President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Republic Act No. 12199, which prioritizes early education, proper nutrition, and caring support to give young Filipino children, especially those aged zero to five, a strong start in life.

Signed on May 8, RA No. 12199, or the “Early Childhood Care and Development System Act,” it was passed to implement the State’s policy to safeguard and promote every child’s right to holistic well-being, growth, and dedicated care.

The ECCD System Act is one of the priority measures recommended by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to improve the country’s educational system and uphold every child’s right to holistic care and development.

The new law repealed RA No. 10410, otherwise known as the “Early Years Act (EYA) of 2013.”

RA No. 12199 assigns the ECCD Council to care for children below age five, while the Department of Education (DepEd) oversees those aged five to eight, in line with the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.

As mandated by RA No. 12199, the ECCD will be institutionalized in a comprehensive, integrative, and sustainable way through multi-sectoral and interagency collaboration at the national and local levels in government with other stakeholders.

Under RA No. 11650, the ECCD System promotes inclusive education by ensuring children with disabilities receive proper services, reasonable accommodation, and accessible environments.

The law aims to reduce child mortality, support all areas of child development, prepare young children for formal schooling, and establish early intervention systems for those with special needs.

The ECCD Council will be strengthened to lead health, nutrition, education, and social development programs, with strong coordination across agencies.

Local government units will play a key role in implementing ECCD programs through their respective ECCD offices. | PND