Part of the funding seeks to improve the qualifications of child development workers, many of whom lack formal training in early childhood education. Photo by The EdLines.
The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM2) lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s move to allocate funds to boost early childhood education in the 2025 budget.
In a statement EDCOM 2, noted that ₱80 million was earmarked for Technical Education and Skills Development Authority scholarships to address the growing demand for enhanced services in the sector, particularly through upskilling child development workers (CDWs).
The initiative, which will be carried out in collaboration with the ECCD Council, seeks to improve the qualifications of these workers, many of whom lack formal training in early childhood education.
The funding aligns with TESDA’s goal to professionalize daycare work, as well as the findings of the EDCOM2. The report showed that a significant proportion of CDWs do not possess relevant credentials. According to data from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), 16.8% of current CDWs hold only high school diplomas, while 77% have college-level degrees. However, these qualifications are often unrelated to early childhood education.
In addition to training support, the budget includes ₱24 million for the establishment of new child development centers (CDCs) in underserved areas, particularly targeting fifth-class municipalities. At least eight new CDCs will be built in priority barangays lacking state-mandated day care facilities.
The funding will cover the construction of CDC buildings as well as the procurement of essential teaching tools, such as furniture and educational materials. Local government units will be tasked with implementing these projects, with the aim of broadening access to early childhood education in regions with limited infrastructure.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, EDCOM2 co-chair, hailed the initiative as a “significant step” toward empowering CDWs.
Dr. Karol Mark Yee, EDCOM2 executive director, emphasized that the funding provides a “strong foundation” for the future of ECCD, aligning with ongoing efforts to amend the Early Years Act of 2013 which aims to enhance and localize ECCD services nationwide.