Manila: An official of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II) lauded on Thursday the government’s PHP1 billion investment to fund the construction of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in low-income local government units (LGUs).

According to Philippines News Agency, the initiative is a joint effort of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Department of Education (DepEd) upon the recommendation of EDCOM II. It targets 328 LGUs that lack access to early childhood care and development (ECCD) services and was formalized through a joint circular signed on April 3 in Malaca±ang, witnessed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

EDCOM II executive director Karol Mark Yee emphasized the significance of this investment, noting that it demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s learning crisis and ensuring inclusivity for Filipino learners. The funding, sourced from the Local Government Support Fund under the 2025 national budget, aims to address a gap identified in EDCOM II’s Year 2 report. The report highlighted that approximately 5,800 villages across the country are without ECCD services.

The report also revealed low participation rates in early learning programs, with only 21 percent of children aged 3 to 4 enrolled, and even lower rates for children under three. Yee attributed these challenges to the inequitable funding capacity among LGUs, where first-class municipalities earn significantly more in special education funds compared to sixth-class ones.

Under the joint circular, LGUs are required to apply for funding through DepEd, which will evaluate and endorse requests to DBM. In return, recipient LGUs must provide at least 150 square meters of land for the centers and cover operational costs, including staff salaries.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, EDCOM II co-chairperson, highlighted the importance of this initiative in providing children with a strong educational foundation. Rep. Roman Romulo, his counterpart in the House of Representatives, praised President Marcos for supporting the effort, acknowledging the President’s role as an advocate for improving the foundations of the education system.