Senate President Win Gatchalian has called on local government units (LGUs) to immediately roll out early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs following the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, or Republic Act No. 12199.
Gatchalian, who authored and sponsored the measure, stressed that the prompt implementation of the law is vital to ensuring that children below five years old receive the care and support needed to build a strong foundation for learning. Under the law, LGUs have the primary responsibility for delivering universal access to ECCD services, including nutrition-related interventions.
The senator highlighted the urgency of carrying out the mandate amid ongoing child health and education challenges, citing recent Department of Science and Technology’s Food and Nutrition Research Institute data showing that one in four Filipino children under five suffers from stunting.
“Mahalaga ang agarang pagpapatupad ng mga programa at serbisyo para sa ECCD dahil nakasalalay dito ang pagkakaroon ng matatag na pundasyon ng ating mga kabataan. Kailangang pakilusin at suportahan natin ang ating mga LGUs upang maihatid nila ang mga programa at serbisyong kailangan ng mga batang wala pang limang taong gulang,” said Gatchalian.