DBM to construct 76 child development centers in BARMM

Seventy-six child development centers (CDCs) are set to be built across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to strengthen early childhood care and development, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced on July 29.

DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said during the post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) briefing that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the initiative to address the lack of early childhood facilities, based on a study by the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II).

The project is part of a broader infrastructure program that earmarks Php 3 million each for over 300 child development centers nationwide, with 89 centers in Luzon, 106 in Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including the 76 in BARMM.

In April, the Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) inspected 99 newly repaired CDCs, along with their newly constructed facilities, which were previously damaged by past disasters across the region. 

The MSSD Regional Focal Person for Child and Youth Welfare Program, Johynne Amilyn Nasa, highlighted the collaborative effort between the local government and the ministry to ensure access to ‘safe and nurturing’ early childhood education within the Bangsamoro Region. 

On the other hand, Pangandaman said the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council signed a memorandum of agreement with local government units (LGUs), which will implement the construction at the grassroots level.

She also noted that her role as co-chairperson of the Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) between the national government and BARMM reflects their commitment to coordinated peace and development efforts in the region.

In his fourth SONA on July 28, Marcos vowed to construct more than 44,000 classrooms by the end of his term and urged Congress to support his education agenda.

He also committed to strengthening programs such as Early Childhood Care and Development and the Academic Recovery and Accessible Learning (ARAL) program, calling them essential to laying a strong foundation for learners from kindergarten through basic education.