Nursery and Childcare Facilities in Public Schools

Shenaie Offim of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) FIRE OF SEPH LINES First Regular Session 25 DEC 17 P6:12 SENATE RECEIVED SY: 1639 S. No. Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING NURSERY AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES PROXIMATE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PROMOTING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Nursery and childcare facilities enhance the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of children for their future learning. However, such facilities remain unaffordable or inaccessible for many Filipino parents, especially to those who are working as public school teachers. Parents working as public school teachers silently grapple with the challenge of balancing their professional responsibility with the pressure of ensuring the well-being of their children. Juggling both responsibilities lead to increased stress levels, less time for family, and even financial strain. It is imperative to improve the welfare of teachers, as they help actualize the potential of the youth for social mobility and a better future. In the same manner, the establishment of childcare institutions would be beneficial to the learning of children. According to a recent paper of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS)', inadequate and untimely access to high- quality early childcare and parental interventions is one of the key factors that causes the poor quality of education and eventual stunted intellectual growth of Filipino children. The study further accords this finding to the low participation rate of Filipino children in early education programs, with only 20% of children aged 3-4 years old 1 Ulep, Valerie Gilbert et al. (2024). Behind the Slow Start: An Assessment of Early Childhood Care and Development in the Philippines. Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

participating in 2022. The insufficient access to early childhood education resources for most Filipino families is one of the leading factors where this poor participation is rooted from. Hence, this bill will establish facilities that will help increase learning opportunities for children, increase the productivity of teachers, and mitigate the disparities in early childhood care. After all, every child should have a fruitful foundation for learning, and every teacher's dedication and hard work should be celebrated. In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought. MARK A. VILLAR ROC

Sorwate Offite of the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES First Regular Session ) 25 DEC 17 P6:12 SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1639 Introduced by Senator MARK A. VILLAR AN ACT ESTABLISHING NURSERY AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES PROXIMATE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS, PROMOTING ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CHILDCARE FACILITIES FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Declaration of Policy - It is the policy of the State to promote the

welfare, safety, and development of teachers by providing accessible, affordable, and quality nursery and childcare services in schools or within its vicinity. This Act seeks to recognize the valuable role teachers play in molding future generations and to support their work-life balance effectively.

Sec. 2. Definition of Terms -

a) Nursery and Childcare Facility - refers to a structured learning and care environment where young children receive age-appropriate care and education from qualified professionals; b) Teacher - refers to individuals engaged in the art and science of teaching public schools within the Philippines; c) School - refers to any public educational institution offering pre-elementary, elementary, secondary or tertiary education in the Philippines.

Sec. 3. Establishment of Childcare Facilities Near Public Schools -

a) All public schools are mandated to establish a nursery and childcare facility within their premises or within reasonable vicinity not more than one (1) kilometer from the school for the benefit of their teachers.

b) The nursery and childcare facilities should be designed based on the standards set by the DepEd, the DSWD, and in consultation with the Local Government Units (LGUs) concerned. c) The school-based nursery and childcare facilities should be supervised and monitored by DepEd and DSWD in accordance with their respective mandates.

Sec. 4. Incentive Program for Participation - To encourage maximum

participation, the DepEd shall create an initiative and incentive program for schools that comply with the provisions of this Act. The incentives may include, but not limited to, tax credits, subsidies, or awards.

Sec 5. Annual Evaluation - An annual evaluation shall be conducted by the

DepEd and the DSWD to assess the effectiveness, affordability, and accessibility of these childcare facilities, monitor service delivery, and identify areas for improvement.

Sec. 6. Funding. - The necessary funding for the implementation of this Act

shall be sourced from the DepEd and the DSWD's allocation in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA). Additional funds for the nursery and childcare facilities may be sourced from donations, sponsorships, and other legally permissible means, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The DepEd, in coordination with

the DSWD and relevant stakeholders, shall develop the implementing rules and regulations to guide the establishment, management, and funding of the nursery and childcare facilities, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act.

Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provisions of this Act that may be

declared unconstitutional or invalid and shall not have the effect of nullifying other portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portions or provisions can still subsist and be given effect in their entirety.

Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. - All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders,

memoranda, circulars, and other issuances, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with the Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 10. Effectivity Clause. -This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,