EDITORIAL: Child Priority

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent approval of funding for the establishment of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in fourth and fifth-class municipalities is a step in the right direction.

The P700-million allocation over the next three years aims to bridge a long-standing gap in early childhood education, ensuring that low-income barangays have access to proper development programs.

This initiative aligns with the 1990 law requiring every barangay to have at least one CDC—yet, to this day, over 5,800 barangays remain without one.

Education Secretary Sonny Angara is correct in identifying this effort as a “low-hanging fruit” in terms of cost. The benefits of early childhood education are well-documented: it improves cognitive and social skills, prepares children for formal schooling, and lays the foundation for lifelong learning.

Moreover, by integrating day-care centers into CDCs, the government can optimize existing resources while enhancing the training of educators and caregivers.

The commitment of the Budget Department to fund this initiative in 2025 is a promising development, but local implementation must be swift and strategic to ensure that no child is left behind.

Equally commendable is the President’s move to allocate P150 million to the Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC) to enhance pediatric cancer care.

Childhood cancer remains a major health challenge, and early diagnosis, coupled with advanced treatment, significantly improves survival rates. Investing in upgraded medical equipment will not only improve healthcare quality but also alleviate the financial burden on families grappling with the disease.

These recent actions highlight a much-needed shift in the national agenda—one that prioritizes education and healthcare. As Marcos himself pointed out, while economic growth and agriculture remain critical, investing in human capital through education and health is the real key to the nation’s future.

However, policy pronouncements must translate into sustained action. The government must ensure transparency and efficiency in fund utilization while fostering collaboration among local government units, educational institutions, and healthcare providers.

The foundation of a strong nation lies in the well-being of its children. By making early childhood development and pediatric healthcare a priority, the administration is taking meaningful steps toward a healthier and more educated Filipino generation.