TESDA honors 98 ECCD graduates, rolls out eLearning System

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez led the ceremonial graduation rites for 98 Child Development Workers (CDWs) after completing their Early Childhood Care and Development Services (ECCDS) course.

The graduates, who completed the specialized training program with renewed dedication to nurturing young learners, marked another milestone in TESDA’s continuing efforts to strengthen early childhood education in the Bicol Region.

Benitez said the program aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure that children aged 0 to 6 years old receive proper childhood care and development training especially during their formative years.

“Ang directive ni Pangulong Marcos even from last year is to strengthen the foundation of our education, particularly Early Childhood Care and Development. So this is an initiative that started last year, specific to education,” Benitez noted.

The event, held on Friday, May 22, at the Villa Caceres Hotel, also formally launched the ECCDS eLearning course in the TESDA Online Program (TOP) platform, making the program accessible through a web portal.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who championed and sponsored Republic Act No. 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, said the graduates’ achievement signals greater opportunities not only for CDWs but also for the children who will benefit from their training.

“Well, napakaganda itong graduation ceremony ng ating mga Child Development Workers. Ito ang kauna-unahang pagkakataon na nabigyan sila ng pormal na kasanayan, training, at nabigyan din sila ng NC III certification. Ito ay international standard, pandaigdigang pamantayan pagdating sa pagtuturo ng mga bata,” Gatchalian added.

Grateful beneficiaries and graduates

Jane T. Galvez, 52-year-old Day Care teacher from Pili, Camarines Sur, said the law was a ray of hope for people like her. She thanked TESDA and President Marcos for recognizing the need to professionalize the job that she passionately embraced for 32 years.

“Very thankful po kami na mga CDW kasi po sa lahat ng naging president, si President BBM po ang nakaisip na bigyan kami ng mga training at ipasunod niya po ‘yong batas ng ECCD program, malaking tulong po talaga ‘yon sa amin,” Galvez shared.

Ailen Francisco of Milaor, Camarines Sur, one of the program’s top achievers, said receiving an NC III certification opens more opportunities for CDWs like her, while helping them better guide children toward reaching their full potential.

“Malaking bagay po na mabigyan kami ng NC III mula sa TESDA. Nangangahulugan po ito ng mas malaking oportunidad na naghihintay sa amin. Para din ito sa mga batang tuturuan namin. Salamat po sa TESDA at sa ating Pangulo,” Francisco said.

Vanessa Labrador from Baao, Camarines Sur, who has been teaching at their daycare center for 18 years, said the program made CDWs feel valued and recognized.

“Naramdaman ko ang halaga naming mga CDWs. Salamat at nabigyang-pansin kami, nabigyan ng training at dahil sa batas na nagtataguyod ng ECCDs, puwede na kaming maging permanente,” Labrador said.

Gatchalian said that one of the key features of the ECCD System Act is the transition of the CDWs into permanent status, with proper salary grades and the opportunity to avail of formal training opportunities.

“Maraming Child Development Workers ang hindi nabibigyan ng tamang sweldo, hindi sila regular, so itong batas na ito, na kami ni Sec. Kiko ang nagtulak, na magiging regular sila, na mabigyan sila ng salary grade at bibigyan sila ng formal training.”

He added that some CDWs who were not able to finish college will have an opportunity to participate in training sessions and can later on also get their bachelor’s degree.

With two leading TESDA Technology institutions and pioneer implementers of the program in the Bicol region—the Regional Training Center Pili and the Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industries, TESDA will continue to strengthen partnerships among its accredited training institutions, local government units, and community stakeholders. (PIA Bicol/Camarines Sur)