ARMM-DSWD, UNICEF & Maguindanao LGU conducts orientation on child care

To ensure the speedy realization of programs and projects involving the welfare and development of children in the province of Maguindanao, the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Maguindanao in collaboration with UNICEF and provincial government of Maguindanao has conducted an orientation and reorganization of Provincial Early Child Care and Development Coordinating Council (PECCDCC) for the province on July 19, 2006 at Hotel Castro.

The orientation and reorganization of the council are intended to motivate all concerned government agencies in the province as well as non-government organizations to work together in order to fast track the implementation of children related programs being implemented by the Council of the Welfare of Children (CWC).

It also aims to enable the participants to appreciate and orient them on the ECCD Act or Republic Act No. 8980 otherwise known as the Early Childhood Care and Development which attends to basic health, nutrition, psychosocial and learning needs of children from-conception to age six, and the Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2002-121 that enjoined all local government chief executives to organize/reorganize provincial, city, municipal and barangay Council for the Protection of Children (CPC).

The program is also line with the major thrusts of the administration of ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan for the promotion and protection of the welfare of the children.

ECCD Act provides a coherent and comprehensive national policy for an integrated approach to Early Childhood Care Development.It also provides for the establishment of a national system that is integrated and sustainable and involves multi­sectoral and interagency collaboration at all levels.

Among the objectives of the ECCD include, improving infant and child survival rates; enhancing the holistic development of young children such as physical, social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual; facilitate a smooth transition from care and education provided at home to the community and to school; ensure that young children are adequately prepared for the formal learning system and establish an efficient system for early identification, prevention, referral and intervention for development disorders and disabilities in early childhood.

Meanwhile, the MC No. 2002-121, the organized Local Councils for the Protection of Children (CPC) take the lead for the efficient and effective implementation of all children's programs in their respective localities.

The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) shall oversee the organizations and functionas of the LCPC and shall initiate extensive information drive on this Circular in their respective areas of jurisdiction and encourage to conduct orientation/training on LCPCIECCD laws and its implementation.

UNICEF is also implementing programs and projects concerning welfare and advancement of children in the province through its Country Program for Children (CPC) VI.

The orientation was participated in by Maguindanao provincial line agencies such as PSWD, IPHO, DILG, DA, DepEd, Provincial Nutrition Council, Provincial Treasurer, Provincial Budget Officer, RPDO, BPI-ARMM, Provincial Attorney’s Office and representatives from non-government organizations (NGO). (BPI-ARMM)