BY: VANESSA BUGTONG
The government is advocating for the establishment of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in every barangay across the country, particularly in rural and low-income areas.
This initiative aims to address challenges in education, especially for students who struggle with reading.
For over 16 years, Teacher Mylene has been working in elementary education.
Despite her long tenure, some of her students still face difficulties in reading.
To address this, the Department of Education (DepEd) has implemented a remedial reading program for students in daycare and elementary levels.
On March 3, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. participated in a reading session for children aged 3 to 5 years old, where he read a story about two men finding puppies under a bridge.
He emphasized the importance of caring for animals and people alike.
In his recent directive, the president urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to prioritize funding for the construction of CDCs, especially in remote barangays.
The initiative is part of the government’s effort to improve the educational system, particularly in underserved areas.
Republic Act No. 6972, also known as the Barangay-Level Total Development and Protection of Children Act, mandates the establishment of daycare centers in all barangays.
Under this law, the government aims to provide early childhood care and development services to children under six years old.
The government is also focusing on 328 low-income barangays, including those in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to ensure that children in these areas have access to quality early education.
