THE SENATE Committee on Basic Education together with the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, and Finance approved a measure ensuring the alignment of basic education and early childhood education.

The committees endorsed for plenary deliberations Senate Bill 2575 in substitution to Senate Bills 1754 and 2029 or the proposed Basic Education and Early Childhood Education Alignment Act.

The senators during the committee hearings stressed that young children aged 0-4 years old are among the most vulnerable in society, requiring loving care from their parents, their community, and the government.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian added that early childhood education, as part of early childhood care and development, is extremely crucial in the development of young children.

“Quality Early Childhood Education sets a strong foundation for learning,” Gatchalian said.

The measure mandates the Early Childhood Care and Development Council to ensure the alignment between the K to 12 basic education curriculum and the ECCD curriculum, among others.

The bill also mandates greater responsibilities on Local Government Units in the implementation of ECCD programs.