More than 1,500 children in El Nido will build stronger foundations for long-term learning through CENTEX Early Grades, a partnership program of the Municipality of El Nido, the Department of Education Division of Palawan, Palawan State University, and Ayala Foundation. The program will cover 28 Child Development Workers and 17 kindergarten teachers in eight barangays over the next two school years.

Through improved teaching practices, quality learning materials, parent engagement, and community-wide collaboration, CENTEX Early Grades will support children ages three to five while enhancing local learning environments and systems that shape their earliest learning experiences.

"The CENTEX Early Grades Program is a commendable initiative that will lay a vital foundation for lifelong learning by equipping young learners and educators with the essential tools, resources, and training needed for academic success," said Dr. Loida S. Adornado, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education Palawan.

As part of Ayala Foundation's commitment to help address the Philippine learning crisis, the program will build teacher and child development worker capacity, provide high-quality learning resources, engage parents more actively in their children's learning, and establish systems for continuous improvement. The initiative will also draw on the expertise of 10 education specialists from Palawan State University, who will support implementation across participating barangays.

"Strong foundations are built both inside and outside our schools," said Tony Lambino, Ayala Foundation President. "When communities invest in the early years, they create opportunities that can shape a child's entire educational journey. Through this program, we hope to work alongside local educators, child development workers, and parents in helping every child build the skills they need to learn, grow, and thrive."

The collaboration among the Municipality of El Nido, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, the Department of Education Schools Division of Palawan, Palawan State University, and Ayala Foundation was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement signed on June 19, 2026, during a community launch held at the Palawan State University El Nido Campus. The program is made possible through the support of SC Johnson, whose partnership helps expand access to quality early childhood education for young learners in El Nido.