Danniell Domingo

To address gaps in early childhood care in the Philippines, 328 Child Development Centers (CDCs) will be established this year in low-income local government units (LGUs) across the country.

Photo Courtesy of Philippine Star.

The Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) signed a joint circular agreement on April 3 to prioritize funding for CDC construction under the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“Too many children do not have the structured care that they need in their formative years and these challenges have been accumulating for the past 30 years and cannot be solved overnight,” Marcos said in his speech.

Backed by a ₱1 billion allocation, the initiative will cover 328 low-income barangays: 133 in Mindanao, 106 in the Visayas, and 89 in Luzon.

Marcos called on LGUs to fully commit to the program to ensure children receive proper early education.

“You must provide our childhood development teachers and workers with the support and resources that they need while encouraging our community members to take an active role in the child development centers,” Marcos added.

Meanwhile, The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) commended the initiative, stating that it directly responds to EDCOM II’s recent findings.

The Commission’s Year Two Report revealed that over 5,800 barangays nationwide still lack early childhood care services.

“Studies show that early childhood care and development is a critical investment that reduces dropouts in school, improves likelihood of mastering foundational skills, and even boosts achievement and income many years later in life,” EDCOM II Executive Director Dr. Karol Mark Yee stated.

According to the joint circular, LGUs must first submit funding requests to DepEd, which will evaluate and endorse them to DBM.

As part of their contribution, low-income LGUs are also required to provide land with at least 150 square meters for CDC construction. 

Salaries for child development workers and teachers will be handled by the LGUs.