By: JOEL PINEDA JAQUINTA

            As part of the “TUMANDOK CARES” Development Agenda of his administration, Mayor Marvin M. Malacon committed to further expand the program on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) of the local government unit (LGU) to benefit the children of Saravia.

            This was emphasized by Mayor Malacon as he expressed gratitude to the ECCD Council for the fruitful partnership with the LGU. Yesterday, Engr. John Miranda, Project Officer of the Council, inspected the newly-built EB Magalona National Child Development Center, a facility that will provide comprehensive early childhood care for the Saraviahanon children. Engr. Miranda found the Center compliant with the standards set by the Council, specially in terms of facility specifications and safety. The Council also informed the LGU that it will provide the necessary books, toys and other educational materials, which will be delivered soon.

            As the Chairperson of the EB Magalona Local Council for the Protection of Children (LCPC) and the Municipal ECCD Coordinating Committee, Mayor Malacon believes that it is vital to uphold and promote the rights of children to survival, development and special protection with full recognition of the nature of their childhood.

            Miss Emelyn Hibionada, Social Worker Officer 1 assured Engr. Miranda of ECCD that the MSWD Office of the LGU will work hard to maintain and further develop the facility for the welfare of every Saraviahanon. “We have already assigned social worker to handle the center and is already trained and equipped with knowledge on early childhood care and development”, Miss Hibionada said.

            This program is pursuant to Republic Act No. 8980, a law which promulgates a comprehensive policy and a national system for ECCD, and Republic Act No. 10410 or the “Early Years Act (EYA) of 2013”.