Manila: The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of PHP309 million for the construction of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in 103 barangays nationwide. This initiative aims to address the needs of children even before they enter school, as directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
According to Philippines News Agency, the funding is sourced from the Local Government Support Fund - Financial Assistance to Local Government Units (LGSF-FA to LGUs) under the 2025 national budget. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman emphasized the government's commitment to providing children with a fair start through continued support for CDCs.
A total of 328 low-income local government units (LGUs) will benefit from a broader program, with 89 located in Luzon, 106 in the Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Each LGU is required to provide at least 150 square meters of land and sign a memorandum of agreement with the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council.
The LGUs are also expected to take on operational responsibilities to ensure the sustainability of the CDCs. The DBM is collaborating with the Departments of Education and the Interior and Local Government, along with the ECCD Council, to ensure efficient implementation at the community level.
