Manila: Local government units (LGUs) are being pressed to move quickly on early childhood programs following the signing of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 12199, with the government now shifting from policy-making to the rollout of reforms for children below five years old.

According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Win Gatchalian stated that the IRR of the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act clears the way for LGUs to implement programs covering early learning, health, and nutrition. 'Mahalaga ang agarang pagpapatupad ng mga programa at serbisyo para sa ECCD dahil nakasalalay dito ang pagkakaroon ng matatag na pundasyon ng ating mga kabataan (The immediate implementation of ECCD programs and services is important because a strong foundation for our children depends on it),' he said in a statement.

Under the law, LGUs are responsible for delivering ECCD programs and services aimed at achieving universal access to early childhood care and development and preparing children for formal education. Gatchalian, who authored and sponsored the measure, emphasized the need for local governments to be mobilized and supported to ensure that services reach children who need them. 'Kailangang pakilusin at suportahan natin ang ating mga LGU upang maihatid nila ang mga programa at serbisyong kailangan ng mga batang wala pang limang taong gulang (We need to mobilize and support our LGUs so they can deliver the programs and services needed by children below five years old),' he said.

The urgency of implementing these programs is underscored by data from the Department of Science and Technology - Food and Nutrition Research Institute, which shows that one in four Filipino children below five years old is stunted-a condition associated with inadequate nutrition and impaired growth. The ECCD law seeks to strengthen children's foundations for learning by expanding access to development programs during the crucial years before they enter formal schooling.