To ensure quality early education for children, the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday finally signed the implementing guidelines for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

This came after the DepEd signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12199, or the ECCD System Act, in partnership with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at the Quezon City Reception House.

In a statement, Education Secretary Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara said the formal guidelines will help advance early childhood programs in coordination with local government units (LGUs) nationwide.

“Kung seryoso tayong baguhin ang kinabukasan ng Pilipinas, kailangan nating magsimula sa ating mga pinakabatang kababayan (If we are truly serious about changing the future of the Philippines, we need to begin with our youngest fellow Filipinos),” he said.

This move adheres to the recommendations made during the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).

Under the ECCD System Act, expanded access to healthcare, nutrition, and quality early learning will benefit children from birth to age 8.

With this in place, early literacy and numeracy alongside holistic development for children will be advanced from their early years.

“Dito nagsisimula ang tunay na nation-building (This is where true nation-building begins),” Angara said.

The DepEd said the way to boost foundational learning is to start before a child enters formal schooling.

Complementary to this, expanded access to more established Child Development Centers (CDCs) in low-income LGUs was also highlighted.

To date, PHP741 million out of the PHP1 billion allocated for CDC establishments has been released to 247 beneficiary barangays, under the Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to Local Government Units.

As of July, 14 CDCs are fully completed, while 113 are under construction and 106 are undergoing procurement. (PNA)