328 BARANGAYS TO RECEIVE FUNDS FOR DAY CARE CENTERS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced on Thursday that at least 328 low-income barangays will receive funding to establish their respective Child Development Centers (CDCs) this year.

President Marcos said that 89 of these barangays are in Luzon, 106 are in the Visayas, and 133 are in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

On March 4, the President directed the Department of Budget and Development (DBM) to prioritize funding to build CDCs to serve as venues for implementing Early Childhood and Development (ECCD) programs and services.

“Sa mga center na ito, maaring makapaglaro, makapagbasa, at makapag-aral ang ating mga kabataan,” the President said.

The Chief Executive made the remarks during the signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the DBM on establishing CDCs.

“It can also be used as a resource center for developmentally appropriate learning materials and a laboratory for conducting research, data gathering, and innovations about early childhood,” he said.

“Sa pamamagitan ng CDCs, magkakaroon ng maayos na pundasyon ang ating mga anak na siya namang magpapatibay sa pundasyon ng ating bansa,” the President added.

He stressed the need to establish CDCs following reports from the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council that at least 3,800 barangays have yet to set up their centers.

Republic Act No. 6972 requires each barangay to have at least one CDC.

The President said that in addition to the national government, the local government units (LGUs) will shoulder additional costs as part of their counterpart obligation to complete the project.

He called for the full commitment of LGUs in ensuring the project’s success.

“You must provide our childhood development teachers and workers with the support and resources that they need while encouraging our community members to take an active role in the CDCs,” the President said.

“To every official and worker who believes in the power of this endeavor, I am confident that your work here will positively impact our children, our families, and then our communities,” he added.

He also urged parents “to take time to read stories” to their children, saying “it is time well invested.”

Meanwhile, Malacañang became filled with children’s laughter and excitement as President Marcos Jr. joyfully read them a short story titled “Ang Limang Tuta.”

The book, written by Eugene Y. Evasco and illustrated by Almar Denso, tells the story of two boys who found five puppies seeking refuge under a bridge. The story teaches children to treat animals like humans with love and kindness.

The story also teaches children that caring for others brings joy and fulfillment and highlights the value of empathy and kindness, whether toward animals or people.

The award-winning Evasco is known for his children’s stories, which include “Si Mabait at ang mga Daliri ng Liwanag” (2004), “Ang Sampung Bukitkit” (2010), “Tag-araw ng mga Ibong Hilaga” (2011), “Mga Saranggola sa Tag-ulan” (2012), “Ang Nag-iisa at Natatanging si Onyok” (2015), “Ang Aklatang Pusa” (2018), and “Ang Nanay ni Erwin/Ang Tatay ni Clara” (2018).

The storytelling session took place before the ceremonial signing of a joint circular between the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for the setting up of Child Development Centers (CDCs).

“I can stay here all day,” President Marcos said between laughs, enjoying the company of 30 children, aged three to five, from daycare centers in Barangays 833, 645, and 646 in Manila.

Smiling warmly, President Marcos greeted the children, who eagerly showed him their colorful toys while introducing them to his pets, “Tequi” and “Lucky,” two of his beloved dogs.

Republic Act No. 6972, enacted in 1990, requires each barangay to have at least one CDC. However, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council reported that 3,800 barangays had not established their centers.

In his speech, President Marcos said the government has identified at least 328 low-income barangays that will receive funding to establish daycare centers.