THE Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), and Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) have formally signed the implementing rules (IRR) of Republic Act 12199 to promote stronger and more coordinated early childhood care and development services.
Interior Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla and Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara, both ex-officio co-chairmen of the ECCDC, joined the council’s vice-chairperson and executive director, Teresita Inciong, in signing the guidelines of the Early Childhood Care and Development Systems Act.
Signed into law by President Marcos in 2025, RA 12199 strengthens the ECCD system to address gaps in healthcare, nutrition, early childhood education, safety, security, and social services for children aged five and below.
The IRR establishes clear responsibilities across national government agencies and local governments (LGUs), recognizing that effective early childhood development begins in communities.
Under the guidelines, every province, city, and municipality is mandated to establish an ECCD office to oversee local programs and service delivery. LGUs are also directed to maintain functional childcare facilities, including Day Care Centers, Childminding Centers, and Health Stations, while developing childcare programs in workplaces and communities.
Local governments are tasked to provide funding for ECCD programs through available local funds, the Special Education Fund, and the Gender and Development Fund, while pursuing partnerships to expand services and reach more children.
The DILG will oversee LGU compliance with RA 12199 and provide capacity development support to strengthen local implementation.
The Department will also facilitate the integration of ECCD into the assessment criteria of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), reinforcing early childhood development as a measure of responsive and effective local governance.
Present during the signing were DILG Assistant Secretary Jesi Howard Lanete, Congressional Education Commission 2 chairman Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo and Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre of Tingog, ECCD Council members, and other government officials and partners.