A critical breakthrough for early childhood education and health in the Philippines was reached on August 5 with the official signing of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12199, known as the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act.
Jointly signed by the Department of Education (DepEd), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the ECCD Council Secretariat, the IRR operationalizes crucial legislation designed to revamp the nation’s foundational learning and health support systems.
The issuance comes after a year-long delay highlighted by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2).
The delay had stalled urgently needed reforms aimed at solving the nation’s ongoing learning crisis.
Findings from EDCOM 2 revealed significant structural gaps: thousands of barangays lack Child Development Centers (CDCs), participation remains lowest among the poorest three- to four-year-olds, and Child Development Workers face low compensation.
Compounding these issues, a recent report from the DOST-FNRI revealed that stunting among children under five rose to 25.3%, reversing a decade-long downward trend.
RA 12199 institutes a whole-of-government approach, establishing clear lines of accountability between national agencies and local government units (LGUs).
It sets higher quality standards for CDCs, improves support for frontline workers, and guarantees universal access to comprehensive health, nutrition, and early learning services before children enter elementary school.
Key lawmakers praised the milestone. “Ang pagpirma sa IRR ng ECCD System Act ay isang napakahalaga at napakalaking hakbang para tugunan ang krisis sa edukasyon,” stated EDCOM 2 Co-Chairperson Senator Bam Aquino, emphasizing that the IRR ensures Filipino children receive proper care and quality early education.
Principal author Representative Roman Romulo highlighted that the law guarantees children nutrition, care, and play—the essential foundations for a successful future.
Meanwhile, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged swift action: “Now that the IRR of the ECCD law is signed, we should immediately mobilize our local government units so they can roll out the programs and services that they are mandated to deliver.”