By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
The first few years in the life of a child are considered as the critical period during which utmost care must be taken to sustain their needs to foster proper growth and development.
A healthy citizenry is crucial in fortifying the foundations of the nation and facilitating its progress in several aspects, which makes the signing of the Republic Act No. 12199 on May 8 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. all the more relevant and time-bound.
Said legislation, also known as the “Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act”, which prioritizes early education, proper nutrition, and caring support to give young Filipino children, especially those aged zero to five, a strong start in life.
The ECCD System Act is one of the priority measures recommended by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) to improve the country’s educational system and uphold every child’s right to holistic care and development.
The new law repealed RA No. 10410, otherwise known as the “Early Years Act (EYA) of 2013.”
RA No. 12199 aims to deepen the synergy between various government agencies and sectors in looking after the health, welfare, and education of the Philippine society’s youngest members.
Likewise, this also aims to ensure that children in the early years of life will have access to inclusive government services; as the newly-inked legislation works vis-à-vis RA No. 11650 or the Inclusive Education Act of 2022.
The law aims to reduce child mortality, support all areas of child development, prepare young children for formal schooling, and establish early intervention systems for those with special needs.
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