17/08/2026
READ | DILG, DepEd, ECCDC set nationwide standards for stronger early childhood care
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Education (DepEd), and Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCDC) have formally signed the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 12199, setting in motion stronger and more coordinated early childhood care and development services across the country.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla and DepEd Secretary Sonny Angara, both ex-officio Co-Chairpersons of the ECCDC, joined ECCDC Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director Dr. Teresita Inciong in signing the IRR, strengthening the government's commitment to give Filipino children the care and support they need during the most critical years of development.
Signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in 2025, RA 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development Systems Act strengthens the country's ECCD system to address gaps in healthcare, nutrition, early childhood education, safety, security, and social services for children aged five and below.
The IRR establishes clear responsibilities across national government agencies and local government units (LGUs), recognizing that effective early childhood development begins in communities.
Under the new rules, every province, city, and municipality is mandated to establish an ECCD office to oversee local programs and service delivery. LGUs are also directed to maintain functional childcare facilities, including Day Care Centers, Childminding Centers, and Health Stations, while developing childcare programs in workplaces and communities.
Local governments are likewise tasked to provide funding for ECCD programs through available local funds, the Special Education Fund, and the Gender and Development Fund, while pursuing partnerships to expand services and reach more children.
For its part, the DILG will oversee LGU compliance with RA 12199 and provide capacity development support to strengthen local implementation.
The Department will also facilitate the integration of ECCD into the assessment criteria of the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG), reinforcing early childhood development as a measure of responsive and effective local governance.
Also present during the signing were DILG Assistant Secretary Atty. Jesi Howard Lanete, EDCOM 2 Representatives Roman Romulo and Jude Acidre, ECCD Council members, and other government officials and partners.
Together with DepEd, ECCDC, and LGUs nationwide, the DILG will continue to push reforms that give every Filipino child a stronger start in life, because the quality of government is measured not only by what it builds today, but by how well it prepares the next generation for tomorrow.
