The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) gave its full support to the enactment of Republic Act No. 12199, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, which commits to Filipino children their rights to holistic development, protection, and long-term well-being.

In a statement, the CHR said RA 12199 – signed into law by President Marcos last May 8 -- seeks to reduce child mortality, support well-rounded early development, ensure early detection of developmental challenges, and promote a smoother transition to formal education.

It said the provisions of the new law are aligned with Article XV, Section 3(2) of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to defend the right of children to assistance, care, nutrition, and protection from harm.

It also said the law reinforces the Philippines’ obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which recognizes every child’s right to the highest attainable standard of health, education, and development. It signals the country’s commitment to fostering an enabling environment for all children to thrive, it added.

It called on all stakeholders to work together for the full and effective implementation of this landmark law.

Let this measure be not just a policy, but a promise fulfilled—for a more inclusive, humane, and rights-affirming future where every Filipino child is nurtured and empowered to reach their full potential, it stressed.