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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Lawmakers approve measure to ensure quality nutrition, education for children

Lawmakers approve measure to ensure quality nutrition, education for children

Published Feb 4, 2025 03:09 am

At A Glance

  • ​House and Senate lawmakers have jointly approved in bicam the proposed Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act that is meant to overhaul the existing system and make it more comprehensive, sustainable, and accessible for the benefit of Filipino children.

​House and Senate lawmakers have jointly approved in bicam the proposed Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act that is meant to overhaul the existing system and make it more comprehensive, sustainable, and accessible for the benefit of Filipino children.

The solons from both chambers held the Bicameral Conference Committee hearing on Monday, Feb. 3.

The ECCD System Act--the consolidation of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2575 and House Bill No. 10142--is aimed at overhauling and strengthening the current ECCD System, so that it becomes more integrative even at times of emergency through multisectoral and interagency collaboration.

The goal of the measure, according to House Education Committee Chairperson and Pasig lone district Rep. Roman Romulo, is to ensure that every Filipino child receives the best start in life through accessible, high-quality care, nutrition, and education.

"With such concerning statistics about our young children's health, it's clear that strengthening our early childhood care and development programs is more urgent than ever," he said.

The recent Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) report revealed that only 25 percent of Filipino children between ages 6 fo 12 months meet the energy intake requirememt, especially those from poverty-stricken households.

It also reported that many children younger than five years old are at a severe nutritional disadvantage and do not have access to the ECCD programs.

According to the measure, local governments should be at the forefront of the initiative to ensure that the benefits of the law reach every child, especially those who need them the most.

Under the measure, the secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall be designated as ex officio co-chairperson for Local Government Mobilization and Overall Implementation of the ECCD Council, therefore ensuring that all LGUs are implementing the ECCD System and shall capacitate them in delivering its programs and services.

It includes the establishment of an ECCD Office in every local government unit as well as the implementation of home-based and other innovative modalities depending on the need of their localities.

Other key provisions in the act include the enhancement of the integration of nutrition and health in the ECCD Curriculum to prevent the irreversible stunting of at-risk children which prevents them from adequately developing in preparation for formal education, parent education and involvement, advocacy, and mobilization of communities through awareness campaigns.

Related Tags

House of Representatives EDCOM II roman Romulo
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