On a slow Thursday morning, Malacañang became filled with children’s laughter and excitement as President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joyfully read them a short story titled “Ang Limang Tuta.”
The book, written by Eugene Y. Evasco and illustrated by Almar Denso, tells the story of two boys who found five puppies seeking refuge under a bridge. The story teaches children to treat animals like humans with love and kindness.
The story also teaches children that caring for others brings joy and fulfillment and highlights the value of empathy and kindness, whether toward animals or people.
The award-winning Evasco is known for his children’s stories, which include “Si Mabait at ang mga Daliri ng Liwanag” (2004), “Ang Sampung Bukitkit” (2010), “Tag-araw ng mga Ibong Hilaga” (2011), “Mga Saranggola sa Tag-ulan” (2012), “Ang Nag-iisa at Natatanging si Onyok” (2015), “Ang Aklatang Pusa” (2018), and “Ang Nanay ni Erwin/Ang Tatay ni Clara” (2018).
The storytelling session took place before the ceremonial signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the setting up of Child Development Centers (CDCs).
“I can stay here all day,” President Marcos said between laughs, enjoying the company of 30 children, aged three to five, from daycare centers in Barangays 833, 645, and 646 in Manila.
Smiling warmly, President Marcos greeted the children, who eagerly showed him their colorful toys while introducing them to his pets, “Tequi” and “Lucky,” two of his beloved dogs.
Republic Act No. 6972, enacted in 1990, requires each barangay to have at least one CDC. However, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council reported that 3,800 barangays had not established their centers.
In his speech, President Marcos said the government has identified at least 328 low-income barangays that will receive funding to establish daycare centers.
Of these barangays, 89 are in Luzon, 106 in the Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The President said the CDCs will serve as venues for implementing Early Childhood Care and Development programs, specifically Early Learning Programs and the Family Support Program.
“The government continues to find ways to support our children so they can grow, they can thrive, and reach full potential. Through health and community programs, we remain committed to helping them become productive members of our society,” he said.
President Marcos stressed that the national and local governments will work together to promote children’s welfare through various child development initiatives, including establishing daycare centers.
As for the local government units (LGUs), the President said they would cover additional costs as part of their counterpart obligation to complete the project. | PND
