LAWMAKERS are pushing for a bill establishing Early Learning Programs for indigent pre-kindergarten children.

House Bill 8069 or the proposed Early Learning Program Act was filed by Representatives Eric Yap, Paolo Duterte, and Edvic Yap.

The bill mandates all cities and municipalities to establish and maintain an early learning program providing learning services to pre-kindergarten children, including those with special needs.

The proposed measure highlights that the said program will focus on enhanced educational and comprehensive services and support through parent involvement and education.

In their explanatory note, the lawmakers stressed despite the education’s advantages, children from poor families are the least likely to attend early childhood education programs.

The UNICEF reports more than 175 million children – nearly half of all pre-primary-age children globally – are not enrolled in early childhood education, most especially those from low income countries like the Philippines.