SENATOR Joel Villanueva expressed strong support for the recently enacted Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act.

Villanueva said the new law will significantly enhance early childhood education and care across the country.

In a statement following the signing of Republic Act No. 12199, Villanueva stressed the importance of providing children aged 0 to 8 with access to education, proper nutrition, and development programs to establish a solid foundation for lifelong learning.

“With the passage of the ECCD System Act, early childhood care and development will be greatly strengthened. The law ensures that each municipality will have its own child development center and ECCD office, with designated Child Development Workers to implement education and nutrition programs,” he said.

Villanueva also thanked fellow lawmakers for their support, particularly Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who chairs the Second Congressional Commission on Education, for leading efforts in the Senate.

“Many thanks to our colleagues in the Senate and to Senator Win Gatchalian for championing this important legislation,” he added.

The ECCD System Act institutionalizes a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, ensuring accessible, high-quality, and community-based services in all towns and cities — in line with the government’s broader education reform goals.