ARELLANO UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF LAW

GENDER SENSITIVITY AND LAWS ON WOMEN AND CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

Section 113- 3:00-5:00 PM, SATURDAY
Prof. Atty. David L. Ballesteros

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11148

KALUSUGAN AT NUTRISYON NG MAG-NANAY ACT

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10028

EXPANDED BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION ACT OF 2009

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51

NATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES,
BREASTMILK SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PRODUCTS

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8980

EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10410

EARLY YEARS ACT (EYA) OF 2013

Prepared by Group 4:
Abacan, Nicole A.
Bicasan, Jessa Marie
Carbo, Richard James S.
Ebreo, Juliene L.
Millamena, Rica Iris
Monserrat, Joshua I.
Sepe, Karen
Umayan, Krislynne L.
Wagan, Rica Beatrice L.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11148
KALUSUGAN AT NUTRISYON NG MAG-NANAY ACT

This report provides a detailed overview of Republic Act No. 11148, officially known as the
"Kalusugan at Nutrisyon ng Mag-Nanay Act." Signed into law on November 29, 2018, this act
aims to scale up national and local health and nutrition programs through an integrated strategy
for maternal, neonatal, and child health and nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life.

Declaration of Policy and Key Objectives

The law is grounded in the constitutional principle that the State shall protect and promote the
right to health. It specifically guarantees the right to adequate food, care, and nutrition for
pregnant and lactating mothers, as well as children from zero to two years old. The Act aligns
with international human rights instruments and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),
particularly aiming to eliminate hunger and reduce all forms of malnutrition.

The primary objectives of the law include:

●​ Providing comprehensive, sustainable, and multi-sectoral strategies to address health

and nutrition issues.
●​ Strengthening the roles of key government agencies like the Department of Health
(DOH) and the National Nutrition Council (NNC).
●​ Ensuring active participation from government agencies, local government units (LGUs),
civil society organizations (CSOs), and the private sector.
●​ Reinforcing existing laws such as the "Milk Code" (Executive Order No. 51) and the
"Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009" (Republic Act No. 10028).

The First 1,000 Days of Life

The core of this law is its focus on the "first 1,000 days of life," a critical period spanning from
conception to a child's second birthday. The Act mandates a comprehensive and sustainable
strategy to address health and nutrition problems within this window.

The program components are divided by life stage, ensuring continuous care:

●​ Prenatal Period (270 days): Services include pregnancy tracking, regular check-ups,
maternal immunizations, and counseling on nutrition and breastfeeding. It also focuses
on the early identification and management of nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women.
●​ Women About to Give Birth and Immediate Postpartum Period: The law requires
adherence to birth and breastfeeding plans, and the provision of mother-friendly
practices in health facilities. This includes lactation management services to support
breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months.
●​ Postpartum and Lactating Women: Continued support is provided through follow-up
visits, lactation support and counseling, and nutrition assessments. The Act also ensures
 the availability of lactation breaks and stations in workplaces, as stipulated by R.A. No.
10028.
●​ Newborn Period (28 days): This phase emphasizes essential newborn care protocols,
continuous skin-to-skin contact, newborn screening, and early referral for complications.
It also mandates the availability of human milk pasteurizers in strategic health facilities to
ensure breastmilk supply.
●​ Infants (1 to 24 months): The program includes providing continuous support for
exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, followed by the introduction of safe and
nutrient-dense complementary foods. It also covers routine immunizations, growth
monitoring, and management of childhood illnesses.

Broader Scope and Implementation

The Act extends its coverage to adolescent females aged 10 to 18 to address the cyclical nature
of malnutrition. It includes services like health and nutrition status assessment, provision of
micronutrient supplements, and counseling on nutrition and health.

In times of natural disasters and calamities, the law mandates the prioritization of health,
nutrition, and psychosocial services. Donations of milk formula and breastmilk substitutes are
strictly prohibited without approval from the Inter-Agency Committee to protect the health of
mothers and children in emergency situations.

The DOH, in coordination with the NNC, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and LGUs, is
responsible for the implementation of this Act. The law also institutionalizes the composition of
the NNC Governing Board, ensuring a multi-sectoral approach to policy-making and
coordination.

The initial funding for the Act will be charged against the appropriations of the DOH, DA, and
NNC, with subsequent funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act. The
DOH, in coordination with the NNC, is responsible for formulating the necessary implementing
rules and regulations (IRR) to carry out the provisions of the law.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10028
EXPANDED BREASTFEEDING PROMOTION ACT OF 2009

REPUBLIC ACT No. 10028

AN ACT EXPANDING THE PROMOTION OF BREASTFEEDING, AMENDING FOR THE

PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 7600, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS "AN ACT PROVIDING
INCENTIVES TO ALL GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE HEALTH INSTITUTIONS WITH
ROOMING-IN AND BREASTFEEDING PRACTICES AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

I.​ Title (Section 1)

Expanded Breastfeeding Promotion Act of 2009

II.​ Applicability (Section 4)

​ The provisions in this Chapter shall apply to:
(1)​ all private enterprises
(2)​ government agencies, including their subdivisions and instrumentalities, and
government-owned and -controlled corporations.

Upon application to, and determination by, the Secretary of the Department of Labor and
Employment for the private sector, and the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission for the
public sector, all health and non-health facilities, establishments and institutions may be
exempted for a renewable period of two (2) years from Section 6 of this Act where the
establishment of lactation stations is not feasible or necessary due to the peculiar
circumstances of the workplace or public place taking into consideration, among others, number
of women employees, physical size of the establishment, and the average number of women
who visit.

All health and non-health facilities, establishments or institutions which are exempted in
complying with the provisions of this Act but nevertheless opted to comply are entitled to the
benefits herein stated: Provided, That they give their employees the privilege of using the same.

​
III. Lactation Stations (Section 11)

It is hereby mandated that all health and non-health facilities, establishments or

institutions shall establish lactation stations. The lactation stations shall be adequately provided
with the necessary equipment and facilities, such as:

(1)​ lavatory for hand-washing, unless there is an easily-accessible lavatory nearby;

(2)​ refrigeration or appropriate cooling facilities for storing expressed breastmilk;
(3)​ electrical outlets for breast pumps;
(4)​ a small table and comfortable seats;
 (5)​ and other items, the standards of which shall be defined by the Department of
Health

The lactation station shall not be located in the toilet.

IV. Information, Education and Re-Education Drive (Sections 13,12, 15)

1.​ The Department of Health with the assistance of other government agencies,
professional and nongovernmental organizations shall conduct continuing information,
education, re-education, and training programs for physicians, nurses, midwives,
nutritionist-dietitians, community health workers and traditional birth attendants (TBAs)
and other health workers on current and updated lactation management.

Information materials shall be given to all health workers involved in maternal and infant
care health institutions."

2.​ During the prenatal, perinatal and postnatal consultations and/or confinements of the
mothers or pregnant women in a health institution and the health worker to immediately
and continuously teach, train and support the women on current and updated lactation
management and infant care, through participatory strategies such as organization of
mothers' clubs and breastfeeding support groups and to distribute written information
materials on such matters free of charge.

The Department of Health is hereby mandated to develop and provide breastfeeding

programs for working mothers whose employees are encouraged to avail of it as part of
their human resource development programs.

To equip women of reproductive age with accurate information on maternal nutrition and
proper nourishment in preparation for successful and sustainable breastfeeding, the
Department of Health is likewise mandated to produce and make available relevant
information and programs which should be disseminated to all city, municipal and
barangay health centers.

Employers are also highly encouraged to develop breastfeeding or lactation support

programs which main functions are to assess the needs of lactating employees with
adequate information regarding lactation management in the form of brochures,
pamphlets and other educational materials.

3.​ To encourage and promote breastfeeding, the Department of Education, the

Commission on higher Education. And the Technical Education, and the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority shall integrate in the relevant subjects in the
elementary, high school and college levels, especially in the medical and education, the
importance, benefits, methods or techniques of breastfeeding, and change of societal
attitudes towards breastfeeding.
V. Sanctions for Non-compliance (Section 21)

Any private non-health facility, establishment and institution which unjustifiably refuses or
fails to comply with Sections 6 and 7 of this Act shall be imposed a fine​
​
First offense- not less than Fifty thousand pesos (Php50,000.00) but not more than Two
hundred thousand pesos (Php200,000.00)

Second offense- a fine of not less than Two hundred thousand pesos (Php200,000.00) but not
more than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00).

Third offense- a fine of not less than Five hundred thousand pesos (Php500,000.00) but not
more than One million pesos (Php1,000,000.00) and the cancellation or revocation of the
business permits or licenses to operate.

Heads, officials and employees of government health and non-health facilities, establishments
and institutions who violate this Act shall further be subject to the following administrative
penalties:

"First offense - Reprimand;

"Second offense - Suspension for one (1) to thirty (30) days; and

"Third offense - Dismissal

VI. Funding (Section 17)

Government agencies, including their subdivisions and instrumentalities, shall use their
respective budget for gender and development or their budgets for repairs, maintenance and
materials acquisition to comply with Section 6 hereof.
 EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 51
NATIONAL CODE OF MARKETING OF BREASTMILK SUBSTITUTES,
BREASTMILK SUPPLEMENTS AND OTHER RELATED PRODUCTS

Executive Order No. 51, also known as the "National Code of Marketing of Breastmilk
Substitutes, Breastmilk Supplements and Other Related Products," is a crucial piece of
legislation aimed at protecting and promoting breastfeeding in the Philippines. It was issued on
October 20, 1986, by President Corazon C. Aquino.

Aim and Purpose: The primary aim of EO 51 is to contribute to the provision of safe and
adequate nutrition for infants [3, Section 2]. It achieves this by protecting and promoting
breastfeeding and by ensuring that breastmilk substitutes and breastmilk supplements, when
necessary, are used properly, based on adequate information, and through appropriate
marketing and distribution [3, Section 2]. This is consistent with Article 11 of the International
Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.

Scope of Application: The Code applies broadly to the marketing and related practices of
various products:

○​ Breastmilk substitutes, including infant formula [3, Section 3].

○​ Other milk products, foods, and beverages, including bottle-fed complementary
foods, if marketed or represented as partial or total replacements for breastmilk
[3, Section 3].
○​ Feeding bottles and teats [3, Section 3].
○​ It also extends to the quality and availability of these products and the information
concerning their use [3, Section 3].

Key Definitions for Clarity: The Executive Order provides specific definitions to ensure clear
understanding and application:

○​ "Breastmilk Substitute" is defined as any food marketed or represented as a

partial or total replacement for breastmilk, regardless of its suitability [3, Section
4(a)].
○​ An "Infant" is a person aged 0-12 months [3, Section 4(e)].
○​ "Infant Formula" refers to an industrially formulated breastmilk substitute
designed for infants up to four to six months of age, in accordance with Codex
Alimentarius standards [3, Section 4(h)].
○​ "Marketing" encompasses product promotion, distribution, selling, advertising,
product public relations, and information services [3, Section 4(k)].
○​ "Health Care System" includes governmental, non-governmental, or private
institutions involved in health care for mothers, infants, and pregnant women, as
well as nurseries and childcare institutions, and health workers in private
practice, but specifically excludes pharmacies or sales outlets [3, Section 4(f)].
 ○​ "Health Worker" means any person, professional or non-professional, working
within a component of the health care system, including volunteers [3, Section
4(g)].

Government Responsibility for Information and Education (Section 5):

○​ The government is mandated to ensure objective and consistent information on

infant feeding for families and those in infant nutrition [3, Section 5(a)].
○​ All informational and educational materials for pregnant women and mothers
must include clear information on:
■​ The benefits and superiority of breastfeeding [3, Section 5(b)(1)].
■​ Maternal nutrition and preparation for breastfeeding [3, Section 5(b)(2)].
■​ The negative effect of partial bottle-feeding on breastfeeding [3, Section
5(b)(3)].
■​ The difficulty of reversing the decision not to breastfeed [3, Section
5(b)(4)].
■​ Where needed, proper use of infant formula, including social and financial
implications, and health hazards of inappropriate use [3, Section 5(b)(5)].
○​ Crucially, such materials shall not use any picture or text which may idealize the
use of breastmilk substitutes [3, Section 5(b)].

Strict Prohibitions on Marketing to the General Public and Mothers (Section 6): This is a
cornerstone of the Code, directly regulating promotional activities:

○​ No advertising, promotion, or other marketing materials for covered products can

be published or broadcast without authorization and approval from an
inter-agency committee [3, Section 6(a)].
○​ Manufacturers and distributors are prohibited from giving, directly or indirectly,
samples and supplies of products or gifts of any sort to the general public, their
families, hospitals, health institutions, or health care personnel, unless otherwise
specified [3, Section 6(b)].
○​ Point-of-sale advertising, sample giving, or other promotional devices to induce
direct sales at the retail level (e.g., special displays, discount coupons, premiums,
bonus sales) are not allowed [3, Section 6(c)].
○​ Manufacturers, distributors, or other groups shall not distribute gifts or utensils
that may promote breastmilk substitutes or bottle feeding to pregnant women or
mothers [3, Section 6(d)].
○​ Marketing personnel are prohibited from advertising or promoting covered
products directly or indirectly to pregnant women or mothers of infants [3, Section
6(e)].
○​ Donations from manufacturers/distributors are only permitted upon request by or
with the approval of the Ministry of Health (MOH) [3, Section 6(f)].
Restrictions within the Health Care System and on Health Workers (Sections 7 & 8):

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is responsible for promoting breastfeeding and providing objective
information to health workers [4, Section 7(a)].

○​ No health care facility shall be used for promoting infant formula or other covered
products, and display of such products, placards, or posters is prohibited [4,
Section 7(b), 7(c)].
○​ The use of "professional service" representatives or "mothercraft nurses" paid by
manufacturers/distributors is not permitted [4, Section 7(d)].
○​ Health workers must emphasize the hazards of improper use of breastmilk
substitutes, and formula demonstration is allowed only for mothers who cannot
breastfeed for medical or legitimate reasons [4, Section 7(e)].
○​ Information provided by manufacturers to health professionals must be scientific
and factual, and must not imply superiority or equivalence to breastfeeding [4,
Section 8(b)].
○​ No financial or material inducements are to be offered by
manufacturers/distributors to health workers or their families, nor accepted by
them [4, Section 8(c)].
○​ Samples of infant formula are not to be provided to health workers except for
professional evaluation or research under MOH rules, and health workers are
explicitly prohibited from giving samples to pregnant women or mothers [4,
Section 8(d)].

Restrictions on Marketing Personnel (Section 9):

○​ Personnel whose job involves marketing covered products shall not perform
educational functions in relation to pregnant women or mothers of infants [4,
Section 9].

Container and Label Requirements (Section 10):

○​ Labels must be designed not to discourage breastfeeding [4, Section 10(a)].

○​ Each container must have a clear, conspicuous, and readable message in
Pilipino or English stating: "Important Notice," the superiority of breastfeeding,
that the product should be used only on a health worker's advice, and
instructions for preparation with a warning against health hazards of
inappropriate preparation [4, Section 10(b)].
○​ Pictures or texts idealizing infant formula are prohibited on containers or labels
[4, Section 10(c)].
○​ Terms like "humanized" or "materialized" are explicitly prohibited [4, Section
10(d)].
Quality Standards (Section 11):

○​ Products must be of high recognized standard and meet applicable standards

recommended by the Codex Alimentarius Commission [4, Section 11(a), 11(b)].
○​ To prevent quality deterioration and contamination, distribution outlets, including
sari-sari stores, are not allowed to open cans and boxes for retailing by the cup,
bag, or any other form [4, Section 11(c)].

Implementation and Monitoring (Section 12):

○​ An inter-agency committee composed of the Ministers of Health (Chairman),

Trade and Industry, Justice, and Social Services and Development is created to
review and approve/disapprove all advertising and marketing materials [4,
Section 12(a)].
○​ The Ministry of Health (MOH) is principally responsible for implementing and
enforcing the Code, including promulgating rules, seeking assistance from other
agencies, and prosecuting violators [4, Section 12(b)].

Sanctions for Violations (Section 13):

○​ Any person violating the Code or its rules can face a penalty of two (2) months to
one (1) year imprisonment or a fine of not less than P1,000.00 nor more than
P30,000.00, or both [4, Section 13(a)].
○​ For juridical persons, the responsible officers (Chairman, President, General
Manager, partners) will be penalized [4, Section 13(a)].
○​ Licenses, permits, or authorities of health workers, distributors, manufacturers, or
marketing firms/personnel can be suspended or revoked for repeated violations
upon MOH recommendation [4, Section 13(b)].

In essence, Executive Order No. 51 establishes a comprehensive legal framework to regulate

the marketing of breastmilk substitutes and related products, ensuring that breastfeeding
remains the primary and preferred method of infant feeding, and that any use of substitutes is
informed, necessary, and safe.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8980
EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT ACT

Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines Congress and
approved on December 05, 2000.

Declaration of Policy

●​ The State's policy is to promote the rights of children to survival, development, and
special protection while recognizing the nature of childhood and its special needs.
●​ It also aims to support parents as primary caregivers and their children's first teachers.
●​ The Act institutionalizes a National System for Early Childhood Care and Development
(ECCD) that is comprehensive, integrative, sustainable, and involves multi-sectoral and
inter-agency collaboration.
●​ This System promotes the inclusion of children with special needs and advocates for
cultural diversity.
●​ It is anchored on complementary strategies including service delivery for children from
conception to age six, educating parents and caregivers, active parent and community
involvement, raising awareness, and promoting community development for young
children and families.

Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System

●​ refers to the full range of health, nutrition, early education and social services programs
that provide for the basic holistic needs of young children from birth to age six (6), to
promote their optimum growth and development. These programs include:

(1) Center-based programs, such as the day care service established under Republic
Act No. 6972, public and private pre-schools, kindergarten or school-based programs,
community or church-based early childhood education programs initiated by
nongovernment organizations or people's organizations, workplace-related child care
and education programs, child-minding centers, health centers and stations; and

(2) Home-based programs, such as the neighborhood-based play groups, family day
care programs, parent education and home visiting programs.

Objectives of the National ECCD System

The program aims to improve infant and child survival, support the holistic development of
young children, and empower parents as primary educators. It seeks to ensure smooth
transitions to school, build the capacity of service providers, and sustain community
efforts—especially for disadvantaged groups. The program also focuses on school readiness,
early detection of developmental issues, and raising the quality of ECCD services through
standards and accreditation systems.
ECCD System Framework and Components

●​ ECCD Curriculum: Focuses on children's total development, promoting integrated

services for health care, nutrition, education, sanitation, and cultural activities
●​ Parent Education and Involvement, Advocacy, and Mobilization of Communities:
Develops parents' strengths as ECCD providers, partners, advocates, and community
support pillars.
●​ Human Resource Development Program: Establishes mechanisms for
professionalization of ECCD service providers through educational programs, training,
and a registration and credential system
●​ ECCD Management: A continuous process of planning, implementation, supervision,
financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting, encouraging active
involvement and capacity building
●​ Quality Standards and Accreditation: Ensures compliance with national quality standards
linked to an accreditation process, established by the National ECCD Coordinating
Council.

Establishment and Implementation

●​ The National ECCD System is to be established in at least three regions annually,

aiming for national coverage over a five-year period.
●​ Joint Responsibility: Implementation is a joint responsibility of national government
agencies, local government units (LGUs), nongovernment organizations (NGOs), and
private organizations
●​ Responsibilities of National Government Agencies: Responsible for developing policies,
programs, and technical assistance. Key agencies like DSWD, DECS, DOH, DILG,
DOLE, DA, DOJ, NEDA, and NNC are to jointly prepare annual work plans and
consolidate existing program guidelines.
●​ DECS promotes the program in schools, makes facilities available, and public school
ECCD programs are jointly responsible with school principals and PTCAs.
●​ Public and private pre-schools are registered by Provincial/City ECCD Coordinating
Committees upon DECS recommendation, while NGO-initiated and other
community-based providers are registered upon social welfare office recommendation.
●​ Responsibilities of Local Government Units (LGUs): Primarily responsible for
implementing the program, providing basic services, supporting parent cooperatives,
ensuring just compensation for service providers, and providing counterpart funds for
training and committee operations.
●​ Responsibilities of Families and Communities: Support local ECCD programs by
participating in projects for children's development18.

Coordinating Bodies

To ensure collaboration, coordinating councils/committees are organized at national, provincial,

city/municipal, and barangay levels.
A.​ National ECCD Coordinating Council: The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC)
functions as this Council, under the Office of the President
●​ Composition: Existing CWC members, plus two private ECCD
practitioners/experts appointed by the President19. Secretaries of DSWD,
DECS, DOH, and DILG act as co-chairpersons19.
●​ Functions: Develop policies, establish program standards, develop a
system for service provider professionalization (recruitment, registration,
continuing education, credentialing), implement awards,
coordinate/monitor programs, evaluate impact, develop a system for early
identification of disabilities/giftedness, maximize public/private resources,
provide counterpart funds to poor communities, promote private sector
initiative, and provide guidelines for local committees.

A.​ Provincial ECCD Coordinating Committee: Created in every province, chaired by the
Governor24.
●​ Functions: Under the Provincial Development Council, performs similar
functions to the National Council, coordinates services, supports
municipalities/barangays, and is responsible for registration of ECCD
programs and service providers.

B.​ City/Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee: Created in every city/municipality,

chaired by the Mayor27.
●​ Functions: Under the city/municipal development council, performs similar
functions, supports barangays, coordinates/monitors services at the
barangay level, ensures accurate reporting, and mobilizes private sector
initiatives.
C.​ Barangay ECCD Coordinating Committee: The Barangay Council for the Protection of
Children (BCPC) functions as this committee
●​ Responsibilities: Proper and effective implementation of public ECCD
programs and maintenance of a database system at the barangay
level29. All barangays must organize BCPCs.
●​ Composition: Includes the Barangay Captain, school heads, health
midwife, health worker, nutrition scholar, day care worker/s, parents,
Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, and a representative from
child-focused NGOs/people's organizations30.
 REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10410
EARLY YEARS ACT (EYA) OF 2013

Republic Act No. 10410, titled "An Act Recognizing the Age from Zero (0) to Eight (8) Years as
the First Crucial Stage of Educational Development and Strengthening the Early Childhood
Care and Development System, Appropriating Funds Therefor and for Other Purposes," was
approved on March 26, 2013. This Act officially repeals Republic Act No. 8980.

I.​ Declaration of Policy and Scope

The Act declares the State's commitment to promoting the rights of children to survival,
development, and special protection, recognizing the crucial nature of early childhood. A
key policy is to support parents in their roles as primary caregivers and their children's
first teachers. A fundamental aspect of this Act is the recognition of the age from zero (0)
to eight (8) years as the first crucial stage of educational development. Responsibilities
are clearly delineated:
●​ The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council is responsible for
children aged zero (0) to four (4) years.
●​ The Department of Education (DepED) is responsible for children aged five (5) to
eight (8) years.

The Act mandates the institutionalization of a comprehensive, integrative, and

sustainable National System for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD). This
system necessitates multisectoral and interagency collaboration among government
entities, service providers, families, communities, and both public and private sectors. A
crucial aspect of this system is its commitment to promote the inclusion of children with
special needs, provide reasonable accommodation and accessible environments for
children with disabilities, and advocate for respect for cultural and linguistic diversity,
including the use of Filipino Sign Language as the visual language of the deaf
community.

II.​ Objectives of National ECCD System

The National ECCD System aims to achieve several vital objectives for young children,
including:
●​ Improving infant and child survival rates through accessible health and nutrition
programs from the prenatal period throughout early childhood.
●​ Enhancing the holistic development of young children across physical-motor,
socio-emotional, cognitive, language, psychological, and spiritual domains.
●​ Facilitating a smooth transition from home-based care and education to
community or school-based settings and into kindergarten.
●​ Ensuring that young children are adequately prepared for the formal learning
system that commences at kindergarten.
 ●​ Establishing an efficient system for early identification, prevention, referral, and
intervention for children with special needs from age zero (0) to four (4) years.
●​ Upgrading and updating the capabilities of ECCD service providers and their
supervisors to meet quality standards.
●​ Reinforcing the critical role of parents and other caregivers as primary educators,
particularly for children aged zero (0) to four (4) years.
●​ Enhancing community efforts to promote ECCD programs, with special support
for poor, disadvantaged, and linguistic minority communities.
●​ Improving quality standards of public and private ECCD programs through
mechanisms such as a registration and credential system for service providers
and facilities.
●​ Ensuring the education of blind, deaf, or deafblind persons is conducted in the
most appropriate languages, modes, and means of communication.
●​ Employing qualified teachers, including those with disabilities, proficient in sign
language and/or braille.

III.​ System Framework and Components

The ECCD System is designed to ensure the National ECCD Program adheres to quality
standards, with a National ECCD Monitoring and Evaluation Framework in place. Its key
components include:

●​ ECCD Curriculum: This curriculum focuses on children's total development,

considering age, individual needs, and socio-cultural appropriateness. It
mandates the use of the child's first language as the medium of instruction and
promotes integrated services encompassing health, nutrition, early childhood
education, sanitation, and cultural activities. This curriculum covers children from
age zero (0) to four (4) years.
●​ Parent Education and Involvement, Advocacy and Mobilization of Communities:
This component aims to strengthen parents as primary providers of ECCD
programs at home, active partners, advocates, and pillars of support for local and
national ECCD programs.
●​ Human Resource Development Program: This program establishes mechanisms
for the systematic professionalization of ECCD service providers through
educational programs, pre-service or in-service training, continuing education,
and the development of a registration and credential system within the ECCD
System.
●​ ECCD Management: This component encompasses continuous processes of
planning, implementation, supervision, financial management, monitoring,
evaluation, and reporting, encouraging active involvement of service providers,
parents, and local government officials.
●​ The ECCD System applies to all provinces, cities, municipalities, and barangays,
aiming for universal ECCD coverage for all children from age zero (0) to four (4)
years.
IV.​ Operational Structures and Responsibilities

The ECCD Council is primarily responsible for the implementation of the National ECCD
System. Its responsibilities include establishing national standards, developing policies
and programs, ensuring compliance, and providing technical assistance to ECCD
service providers.

The Council collaborates with the DepED, the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD), the Department of Health (DOH), the National Nutrition Council
(NNC), and the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) through annual
workshops to coordinate technical assistance and support.

The DepED recognizes the National ECCD Program as the foundation of the learning
continuum for all children from zero (0) to four (4) years. These agencies also provide
ongoing professional development support, learning materials, and health services.

Local Government Units (LGUs) are mandated to allocate funds from their Special
Education Fund (SEF) and Gender and Development (GAD) Fund to support ECCD
programs, organize parent cooperatives, fund professional development for public
service providers, and provide necessary facilities. Families and communities are also
expected to support local ECCD programs through participation in community-based
projects.

V.​ Strengthening and Organization of the ECCD Council The ECCD Council is
strengthened to maintain focus on building a strong foundation for children's
development from ages zero (0) to four (4) years and ensuring sustained interagency
and multisectoral collaboration. The Council is attached to the DepED.

The ECCD Governing Board is composed of key officials:

●​ The Secretary of the DepED serves as the ex officio Chairperson.
●​ The Executive Director of the ECCD Council serves as Vice Chairperson.
●​ The Secretaries of the DSWD and DOH, the Executive Director of the NNC, and
the President of the ULAP are members.
●​ One private ECCD practitioner and expert is also a member, appointed by the
President.

The ECCD Council is tasked with numerous functions, including:

●​ Promulgating policies and implementing guidelines for ECCD programs.
●​ Establishing ECCD program standards that interface with the DepED
kindergarten curriculum.
●​ Developing a national system for the recruitment, registration, accreditation,
continuing education, and credential system of ECCD service providers to
professionalize the sector and upgrade quality standards.
●​ Developing a national system for awards and recognition for ECCD implementers
 ●​ Promoting, encouraging, and coordinating various ECCD programs of partner
agencies (DepED, DSWD, DOH, NNC) and monitoring service delivery
●​ Developing a national system for early identification, screening, and surveillance
of young children from age zero (0) to four (4) years
●​ Providing funds to poor and disadvantaged communities for ECCD program
establishment, facilities, and hiring of service providers
●​ Promoting and encouraging private sector initiatives for ECCD programs

VI.​ Financing and Appropriations

The initial implementation of the Act is funded by the current appropriations of the
DepED, DSWD, DOH, and NNC. Subsequent funding will be included in the annual
General Appropriations Act (GAA).

A significant funding source is the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation

(PAGCOR), which is mandated to contribute Five hundred million pesos
(P500,000,000.00) per year for five (5) years from its gross income. This contribution will
fund the establishment of National Child Development Centers and the conversion of
existing Day Care Centers into Child Development Centers in various LGUs. This
amount is directly remitted quarterly to a special account of the ECCD Council.

ECCD programs are financed through a combination of public and private funds, with a
priority for children from needy families who can least afford private programs. DepED,
DSWD, and DOH provide financial and technical support. LGUs are encouraged to
support public ECCD programs, and additional funds may be generated from donors and
financial institutions.

VII.​ Annual Reporting

The ECCD Council is required to submit annual physical and financial reports to
Congress. These reports must provide a detailed account of the Council's proceedings
and accomplishments, along with recommendations to improve the National ECCD
System and ensure the achievement of universal coverage of ECCD benefits for all
children from age zero (0) to four (4) years within a period of five (5) years.

VIII.​ Summary

In summary, Republic Act No. 10410, or the Early Years Act of 2013, establishes that the
age range from zero to eight years is the most crucial stage in a child's educational and
developmental growth. It strengthens the Early Childhood Care and Development
(ECCD) System by institutionalizing a comprehensive, multi-agency framework to
provide health, nutrition, early education, and social services for children, particularly
from birth to four years old. The law assigns responsibilities to various government
agencies, local government units, and communities to ensure quality early childhood
programs, with the ECCD Council as the central coordinating body. Ultimately, it aims to
ensure that every Filipino child receives the care and foundational education necessary
to thrive in school and in life.