MAKATI Mayor and senatorial candidate Abby Binay has emphasized the need to strengthen early childhood education as a crucial step in improving the country’s education system.

Binay stressed that focusing on basic literacy and numeracy skills in the early years would better equip students to handle more complex knowledge and skills as they progress through school.

“Kailangan po talaga nating tutukan ang ECCD or Early Childhood Care and Development, kasama na ang daycare. Kasi ang paniniwala natin, ‘foundation is key.’ Kung hindi maganda ang pundasyon, kahit anong bridging na gawin natin sa Grade 5 o Grade 6, medyo huli na,” Binay said.

She highlighted the importance of ensuring that students develop proficiency in reading, math, and science from preschool to Grade 3, providing them with essential skills such as reading comprehension and fundamental mathematical concepts.

Binay also pointed to the shortcomings of the K-12 basic education program, which was designed to produce employable senior high school graduates.

“Ang tanong, noong K to 10, maganda ba ang foundation nila para maging employable sila pagkatapos ng senior high? Hindi pwedeng basta lagyan lang ng skills sa senior high kung mahina ang foundation nila sa basic English at numeracy. Kung hindi maganda, mahihirapan silang makapasok sa trabaho,” she explained.

She underscored the need to address learning gaps before Grade 3.

“Poor literacy and numeracy skills should be addressed as early as Grade 3 through appropriate interventions. Otherwise, students may struggle to keep up with advanced lessons and eventually drop out,” Binay warned.

Under her leadership, Makati has strengthened ECCD through initiatives like the Pre-Kindergarten program for four- to five-year-old learners, equipping them with a pre-K kit, complete learning modules, and OTG (on-the-go) materials to prepare them for Kindergarten.

In 2023, the city also launched Project FEED (Food for Excellent Education and Development), providing nutritious snacks and beverages to over 42,000 public elementary school students.

Additionally, Makati continues to implement Project MILES (Mathematics Intensive Learning Enhancement for Students), aimed at improving math competencies among Grade 1 to 10 students. The city invests millions annually in ‘Koobits,’ a Singaporean math software program, and provides honoraria for teachers running the program.

Since 2024, Makati has also granted a ₱1,500 monthly stipend to qualified students in the Special Science and Math Curriculum in selected public schools to encourage more students to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. STEM graduates are in high demand globally and have better opportunities for high-paying jobs.