CHR Supports Building 300 Child Development Centers Nationwide
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has praised the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for their collaborative effort in building 300 Child Development Centers nationwide. This initiative focuses on underserved communities, aiming to provide essential early childhood care and education.
According to community leaders, “This initiative is a vital step in fulfilling the State’s obligation to uphold the rights of every Filipino child—to protection, development, and education. Providing early learning opportunities in underserved areas helps break cycles of inequality and promotes every child’s inherent dignity.”
Addressing Critical Needs in Underserved Areas
DepEd and DBM have jointly issued a circular targeting the shortage of early childhood care facilities, especially in fourth- and fifth-class municipalities. Reports indicate that around 3,800 barangays nationwide lack Child Development Centers, while nearly 78 percent of Filipino children under five years old do not have access to basic early childhood care and development services.
The new CDCs will not only focus on education but also aim to combat food insecurity. They will support nutrition programs, including feeding initiatives led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This holistic approach seeks to improve both the learning and health conditions of young children in vulnerable communities.
Legal Foundations and Rights Protection
The CHR emphasized that this initiative aligns with Article XIV, Section 1 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which mandates the State to provide quality education for all. It also supports Republic Act No. 6972, which requires the establishment of daycare centers in every barangay.
Moreover, this law is consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ensuring every child’s right to free and accessible education. Local experts stress that education must overcome geographic, economic, and social barriers to empower Filipino children fully.
Collaboration for Inclusive Education
As the nation’s independent human rights institution, the CHR encourages communities, educators, and local governments to work closely. Their goal is to guarantee that every child, especially those in disadvantaged areas, receives the learning opportunities they deserve.
This collective effort to build 300 Child Development Centers nationwide marks a significant stride toward breaking the cycle of inequality and securing the fundamental rights of Filipino children.
For more news and updates on child development centers, visit Filipinokami.com.