Las Piñas Representative Camille Villar welcomed the signing of Republic Act No. 12199, or the Early Childhood Care and Development System (ECCD) Act, saying it would play a key role in reducing infant and child mortality by improving access to healthcare and nutrition from pregnancy through early childhood.
“This law strengthens our policies in nurturing children from birth to their toddler years. I’m glad it finally came to life,” Villar said.
As one of the principal authors in the House of Representatives, Villar emphasized that the new law provides a more comprehensive approach to early childhood development. It aims to support families and caregivers—especially those with limited resources—through programs focused on proper health, nutrition, and early learning.
Support from Pregnancy to Early Childhood
The ECCD Act ensures government support starts as early as the prenatal stage and continues through early childhood. Villar said many Filipino families struggle to meet the developmental needs of young children due to lack of access and economic barriers. The law responds to this by safeguarding children’s right to a healthy start in life.
Under RA 12199, the government is tasked with creating environments that promote children's well-being, including nutrition, health services, age-appropriate learning, and special protection based on developmental stages.
Empowering Communities and Professionalizing Child Care Workers
Local government units (LGUs) are central to implementing the ECCD Act. They are required to establish ECCD offices, provide resources, and hire qualified personnel. The law also seeks to professionalize the child care workforce by setting standards for training, qualifications, and salaries for child development teachers and workers.
By prioritizing early care, Villar said the law not only invests in children’s futures but also supports communities in building a stronger foundation for long-term growth.
Villar is expected to join the Senate in the 20th Congress, based on partial unofficial results from the May 12 elections.
