Child development centers: Symbols of hope, opportunity, and progress

Assalamualaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

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Last April 3, we witnessed another milestone in our commitment to serving our kababayans and ensuring the country’s sustainable growth and development. I was deeply honored to stand with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PBBM) as he led the ceremonial signing of the joint circular for the establishment of Child Development Centers (CDCs). This joint initiative of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) is a response to the limited access to early childhood care and development facilities, particularly in low-income areas.

For those who may not know, Republic Act (R.A.) No. 6972 or the Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act, enacted in 1990, mandates the creation of at least one daycare center in every barangay to provide comprehensive care and protection for children.

However, in a report titled, “Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival EDCOM II Year Two” presented during the March 4 sectoral meeting, the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), a national commission tasked to undertake a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the performance of the Philippine education sector under RA 11899, noted that many barangays in the country are still yet to have a CDC.