House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. (Facebook)

President! Marcos' move of allocating P1 billion for the the construction of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in 328 low-income local government units (LGUs) reflects his deep commitment to uplifting the lives of Filipino children through quality education. 

Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez, who further touted the Chief Executive's decision as reflective of "the kind of leadership that brings real hope to Filipino families—simple, direct, and focused on result". 

“Malinaw po ang mensahe ng ating Pangulo: walang batang Pilipino ang dapat maiwan (The President's message is clear: no Filipino child must be left behind),” Romualdez said in a statement Thursday, April 10. 

The funding, which will be made available through the Local Government Support Fund under the 2025 national budget, is aimed at boosting access to early childhood care and development, particularly in poor communities that lack the facilities to support their youngest learners. 

Romualdez said the House of Representatives fully supports the President’s education agenda, and worked closely with the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Education (DepEd), and EDCOM II to make sure that the necessary funding was included in the budget. 

“Wala po tayong ibang layunin kundi tumulong sa Pangulo. Kung saan may pangangailangan, doon natin nilalagay ang pondo. Kung ang problema ay kulang sa pasilidad para sa mga batang edad 0 to 4, ’yan ang tinugunan natin,” the Speaker and Leyte 1st district congressman explained. 

(We have no other goal but to support the President. Wherever there is a need, that's where we allocate the funds. If the issue is a lack of facilities for children aged 0 to 4, that's what we address.) 

Accoring to Romualdez, the House understands the long-term impact of investing in the early years, where studies show children are more likely to stay in school, learn better, and succeed later in life if they receive proper early childhood support. 

“Hindi pwedeng puro senior high school lang o college scholarships ang tutukan. Kailangan din simulan sa pinaka-ugat—sa murang edad. Dito po nagsisimula ang tunay na pagbabago,” Romualdez added. 

(We cannot solely focus on senior high school or college scholarships. We must also start at the very root—at a young age. This is where true change begins.) 

Under the Joint Circular signed by DBM and DepEd and witnessed by the President in MalacañangLGUs can now apply for funding to build CDCs, provided they commit to sustain the centers through land, maintenance, and staffing. The policy responds directly to the findings of EDCOM II, which showed 5,800 barangays still have no access to proper early childhood programs. 

Romualdez also praised the collaborative effort between both Houses of Congress through EDCOM II, led by Senator Sherwin "Win" Gatchalian and Pasig City lone district Rep. Roman Romulo, in putting forward data-driven solutions that address real problems on the ground. 

“Marami pa tayong kailangang ayusin sa ating sistema ng edukasyon, pero ito na ang simula ng mas malawakang reporma. At habang pinangungunahan ito ng ating Pangulo, makakaasa siyang ang Mababang Kapulungan ay katuwang niya sa bawat hakbang,” the Speaker said. 

(There is still much to improve in our education system, but this marks the start of broader reforms. And as the President leads this initiative, he can count on the support of the House of Representatives every step of the way.) 

Romualdez assured the public that the House will continue to prioritize education, particularly for the most vulnerable children and communities.