DBM OKs release of P309M for Child Development Centers in barangays
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced Thursday the release of P309 million for the establishment of Child Development Centers (CDCs) through multi-purpose building (MPB) projects in various barangays across the country.
In a news release, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the release of the funds under the Local Government Support Fund – Financial Assistance to LGUs (LGSF-FA to LGUs) in the 2025 national budget.
The release also follows the guidelines set by the DBM and the Department of Education (DepEd) through Joint Circular 2 issued last April, the Budget Department said.
"This is part of our continuing support for Child Development Centers, aimed at giving our children a fair start even before they step into classrooms," said Pangandaman.
Under the program, LGUs must provide at least 150 square meters of land, sign a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, and take on operational responsibilities to ensure the long-term viability of the CDCs.
The DBM said it continues to work closely with DepEd, DILG, and the ECCD Council, as well as local governments to monitor implementation and delivery of the results at the community level.
The DBM said 328 low-income LGUs are targeted to benefit from the initiative, of which 89 are in Luzon, 106 in the Visayas, and 133 in Mindanao, including the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). — VDV, GMA Integrated News
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