SENATE President Win Gatchalian called for the mobilization of local government units (LGUs) to ensure the effective delivery of early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs and services to children under five years old.
Gatchalian made the call Wednesday during the Senate Committee on Finance hearing on the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and its attached agencies, including the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD Council).
He said LGUs need clear instructions on how to implement Republic Act (RA) 12199, or the ECCD System Act, following the signing of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) on Aug. 5.
Gatchalian proposed the issuance of a DILG memorandum circular to provide local governments with implementing guidelines.
“The IRR is already there, but to mobilize the LGUs, that is what is still lacking,” Gatchalian said.
RA 12199 requires provinces, cities, and municipalities to establish ECCD offices under the administrative supervision of local chief executives. The offices are tasked with managing ECCD programs and services and supervising child development teachers and workers.
The law also requires LGUs to work toward universal ECCD access, establish and maintain child development centers, create plantilla positions for child development teachers and workers, and provide facilities and resources for ECCD services.
Gatchalian said the need to accelerate implementation is underscored by the country’s still-low ECCD participation rate.
“As of now, our participation rate is at 33 percent. For 2027, the target is 40 percent. So, I support that, of course. That’s why it’s about time to mobilize the LGUs,” he said.
The ECCD Council said the new IRR establishes the framework for stronger coordination among national agencies and LGUs in providing health, nutrition, early learning, safety and other services to young children.
The IRR was issued more than a year after the statutory deadline, according to Edcom 2, which called for faster implementation of reforms that address gaps in early childhood development and education.
