PRIORITIZE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION--ANGARA

As the Senate regular sessions resume today, Senator Edgardo J. Angara said he will push for the Pre-School Development Act of 2010 which he filed last September, which provides access to early childhood care and development programs for Filipino children up to 6 years old. Angara said this is a critical period in a child's life as it is the foundation for all future learning.

"The main goal of pre-school programs is to prepare our children for formal schooling by skill stimulation and value formation. This kind of early education also develops both social and intellectual skills, which would be vital later on in their lives," said Angara, head of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture.

The bill provides that a nationwide preschool program shall be implemented by the barangay with appropriate support from the DSWD. Non-government organizations and private volunteers may also be tapped to help implement this act.

Angara has been a long-time champion for children's rights and welfare, thus education continues to be one of his legislative priorities. He authored a bill creating a health insurance program for the youth, and another which seeks to provide proper nutrition for Filipino children.

According to Angara, "By recognizing the early years as the first cycle of educational development, government would define its role in expanding and improving comprehensive early childhood care and education, especially for the most vulnerable and disadvantaged children."

Senate Bill No. 2024, "Institutionalizing Pre-School Education, Increasing the Monthly Compensation of Day Care Workers and for Other Purposes", is now pending in the Committee for Education, Arts and Culture.