Manila Times
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Friday, May 08, 2026
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Philippines Enacts Law to Enhance Early Childhood Care and Development
The new legislation aims to strengthen support for children's education and health from birth to age five.
On May 8, 2025, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. signed the Republic Act No. 12199, known as the “Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act,” designed to bolster early childhood care and education for Filipino children from birth to age five.
This law seeks to enhance access to early education, nutrition, and caregiving support, aiming to lay a foundational framework for the long-term growth and success of children.
The ECCD System Act revises the previously established Republic Act No. 10410, the “Early Years Act of 2013.” Its enactment aligns with the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), identified as a key initiative to reform the education landscape in the Philippines.
The law delineates responsibilities between agencies, designating the ECCD Council to focus on children aged zero to four years, while the Department of Education (DepEd) will oversee those aged five to eight, in alignment with the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.
Key components of the ECCD System Act emphasize the creation of a more integrated, holistic, and sustainable early childhood care system.
It mandates collaboration among various sectors and agencies at both national and local levels to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
The legislation further stipulates an inclusive approach for children with disabilities, reinforcing the directives from Republic Act No. 11650 to guarantee that these children receive appropriate care, accessible facilities, and necessary accommodations in early development programs.
Specific goals outlined in the law include reducing child mortality rates, promoting all aspects of child development, preparing young learners for formal education, and providing early intervention for children with special needs.
Local government units (LGUs) are positioned as the primary implementers of ECCD initiatives, tasked with establishing dedicated offices to deliver these services effectively.
The ECCD Council is tasked with coordinating nationwide efforts across health, nutrition, education, and social welfare sectors.
This legislative measure underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring that every child receives the essential care and support required for a strong start in life.
This law seeks to enhance access to early education, nutrition, and caregiving support, aiming to lay a foundational framework for the long-term growth and success of children.
The ECCD System Act revises the previously established Republic Act No. 10410, the “Early Years Act of 2013.” Its enactment aligns with the recommendations of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2), identified as a key initiative to reform the education landscape in the Philippines.
The law delineates responsibilities between agencies, designating the ECCD Council to focus on children aged zero to four years, while the Department of Education (DepEd) will oversee those aged five to eight, in alignment with the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013.
Key components of the ECCD System Act emphasize the creation of a more integrated, holistic, and sustainable early childhood care system.
It mandates collaboration among various sectors and agencies at both national and local levels to ensure comprehensive service delivery.
The legislation further stipulates an inclusive approach for children with disabilities, reinforcing the directives from Republic Act No. 11650 to guarantee that these children receive appropriate care, accessible facilities, and necessary accommodations in early development programs.
Specific goals outlined in the law include reducing child mortality rates, promoting all aspects of child development, preparing young learners for formal education, and providing early intervention for children with special needs.
Local government units (LGUs) are positioned as the primary implementers of ECCD initiatives, tasked with establishing dedicated offices to deliver these services effectively.
The ECCD Council is tasked with coordinating nationwide efforts across health, nutrition, education, and social welfare sectors.
This legislative measure underscores the Philippine government’s commitment to ensuring that every child receives the essential care and support required for a strong start in life.
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