CCPI wants strict implementation of law boosting early childhood care
The Chamber of Commerce of the Philippine Islands (CCPI) is urging the government to strictly implement the newly signed law aimed at improving the quality of early childhood education and care in the country.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12199, or the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, on May 8.
CCPI, the country’s oldest business group, said the implementation of this law is “very crucial” to ensure that all Filipino children—especially those from conception to age five—receive the education, care, and nutrition they need.
CCPI President Jose Luis Yulo Jr. said providing children with a substantial foundation will help them thrive and grow into healthy, capable, and productive citizens.
He said the government must ensure that the law is enforced effectively through proper funding and cooperation.
CCPI said the law aligns with the organization’s economic compass pillars 5 (ECOMP-P5) advocacy.
ECOMP-P5 is CCPI’s core advocacy that strives to “rebuild the Philippines’ glorious past and navigate the future.”
The law falls under the pillar titled, “The Filipino and education, compass: top of the world,” specifically under the provision, “quality health.”
“Every Filipino is taught health care and well-being, and has access to both throughout their lifetime with focus on nutritious feeding from conception to five years of age, to prevent stunted growth,” it read.
Under RA 12199, the ECCD Council is assigned to care for children below the age of five.
CCPI is calling for “absolute support” to the council, as well as the active engagement of local government units (LGUs), to ensure their strong participation in the law.
The chamber said this will enable the delivery of holistic programs in education, health, and social development that reach every Filipino child.
LGUs have been tasked to be the implementers of ECCD programs, while the ECCD Council will be authorized to coordinate nationwide efforts.
“Consistent with the Chamber’s economic compass, this law will help the Philippines to ‘rebuild its glorious past and navigate the future’ by investing in our most valuable resource—our children,” CCPI said.
“By nurturing well-developed, healthy, and educated young Filipinos today, we are securing a prosperous tomorrow for our nation,” it added.