MANILA, Philippines – Many Filipino parents do not realize that their children’s early years are a critical period for development.
This finding is from the Year Two Report of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), “Fixing the Foundations: A Matter of National Survival,” released on Monday, January 27.
EDCOM 2 cited a 2019 report by the Philippine Statistics Authority, which found that about 97% of parents surveyed believe that children under 5 are “too young to go to school.”
This is particularly concerning, as early childhood care and development (ECCD) is crucial to help kids reach their full potential.
“Cultural norms and lack of awareness of ECCD benefits limit participation. Supply-side challenges, such as inadequate infrastructure and trained professionals, exacerbate the issue,” the EDCOM 2 report said.
In the Philippines, ECCD focuses on health, nutrition, early education, and social development. EDCOM 2 highlighted that global evidence shows “well-designed and well-implemented ECCD programs have substantial positive impacts on child outcomes.”
ECCD in the country is implemented through the Philippine Early Years Act of 2013. This law designates the ECCD Council as responsible for children aged 0 to 4, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive care and education during these formative years.
“The inadequate and delayed access to high-quality early childcare and parental interventions has profound implications for children’s learning and cognitive development in later years,” EDCOM 2 said.
Underfunding, inaccessibility
Adding to the problem is “inadequate and inequitable” government funding for ECCD.
The Philippines’ allocation of P3,870 per child for health-related services is lower than the global average of P8,700 in low- and middle-income countries.
“Disparities in funding across local government units also impede effective ECCD program implementation, limiting the ability of low-income municipalities to implement ECCD,” EDCOM 2 said in its report.
According to the commission, there is a need for “comprehensive policy approaches that address ECCD accessibility and quality while simultaneously working to increase awareness and stimulate demand for ECCD services.”
In its consultations with parents, EDCOM 2 found that the lack of child development centers (CDCs) in their areas is the main reason why they do not enroll their children in early childhood education.
“The limited number of CDCs in local areas creates significant barriers for families. Many must travel long distances, resulting in higher transportation costs and scheduling difficulties, especially for working mothers. Most parents prefer CDCs to be within a 10-minute walking distance from their homes,” the commission said.
To solve this, EDCOM 2 suggested the establishment of at least one CDC in every barangay, with particular focus on those in fifth-class municipalities.
The commission also proposed that the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), along with the Commission on Higher Education, develop training and scholarship programs to boost the number of ECCD professionals.
EDCOM 2 noted that the government allocated P80 million for scholarships in the 2025 General Appropriations Act. TESDA will manage the funds to help child development workers with only a high school diploma “upskill” and earn a National Certificate III in ECCD.
You can access the full Year Two Report here. – Rappler.com