SENATE President Sherwin Gatchalian has called on local government units (LGUs) to immediately mobilize and implement programs and services mandated under the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act following the signing of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

Republic Act No. 12199, authored and sponsored by Gatchalian, seeks to ensure universal access to early childhood care and development (ECCD) services for children below five years old, providing them with a stronger foundation for learning, health and overall development.

Under the law, LGUs are responsible for implementing ECCD programs and services in their respective communities, including interventions aimed at addressing the nutritional needs of young children.

Gatchalian said the immediate rollout of ECCD programs is crucial to addressing the country’s education crisis, noting that early childhood development plays a critical role in preparing children for formal schooling and improving their chances of succeeding later in life.

The senator cited recent data from the Department of Science and Technology-Food and Nutrition Research Institute (DOST-FNRI) showing that one in four Filipino children below five years old is stunted.

He stressed that strengthening ECCD services, particularly at the local level, is essential to ensuring that young children receive proper nutrition, care, stimulation and support during their formative years.

“Mahalaga ang agarang pagpapatupad ng mga programa at serbisyo para sa ECCD dahil nakasalalay dito ang pagkakaroon ng matatag na pundasyon ng ating mga kabataan. Kailangang pakilusin at suportahan natin ang ating mga LGUs upang maihatid nila ang mga programa at serbisyong kailangan ng mga batang wala pang limang taong gulang,” Gatchalian said.

With the IRR now in place, Gatchalian urged LGUs and concerned government agencies to move swiftly in translating the law into concrete programs and services that will directly benefit young children and their families at the community level.

He emphasized that investing in early childhood care and development is an investment in the country’s long-term education outcomes and in the future of Filipino children.