Senator Sherwin Gatchalian said P2.46 billion under the proposed 2026 national budget will fund the conversion of daycare centers into child development centers (CDCs) in low-income municipalities to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Development programs.
Gatchalian noted that 3,810 barangays still lack CDCs, stressing that early childhood education builds children’s foundational skills.
The funding will come from the Local Government Support Fund and will primarily assist fourth- and fifth-class municipalities.
As Senate finance committee chair, Gatchalian said the allocation aligns with the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act (Republic Act. No. 12199), which he authored and sponsored.
The law mandates expanded access to Early Childhood Care and Development System Act services for children under five.IMT
