Early childhood care is a priority: Needs private sector's support

The foundation of a nation's future is laid not in its universities, but in its nurseries. Early childhood care and development (ECCD) must be strengthened, not just involving feeding programs or daycare, but as a way of giving every Filipino child a fair start in life.

- 

The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, signed by President Marcos Jr. in May of this year aims to safeguard and promote every child's right to holistic well-being, growth, and dedicated care. The law affirms the state's duty to safeguard the rights of young children to health, education, nutrition, and protection. It replaces the Early Years Act of 2013 and expands on its mandate, mobilizing a whole-of-government approach toward holistic child development.

At the heart of this reform is the ECCD Council, now realigned from the Department of Education (DepEd) to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to enhance coordination with local government units (LGUs). The council is co-chaired by the DILG and DepEd. It is supported by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Agriculture (DA), National Nutrition Council (NNC), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and TESDA.