Friday | December 21, 2017 | 7:10 PM

PAGCOR’s contributions to the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program started in 2002 by virtue of Republic Act 8980. To date, the state-run gaming firm’s contributions has reached P2 billion after remitting P400 million per year for five years.

During the Inter-Sectoral Dialogue cum Partners Recognition last December 12, 2017 in Quezon City, ECCD Council Vice Chairperson and Executive Director Teresita G. Inciong underscored PAGCOR’s vital role in the fulfillment of their mandate – especially in establishing development centers in various parts of the country. “Through PAGCOR’s funds, we were able to put up ECCD centers that serve as learning venues for children. PAGCOR’s contributions also funded the training of child development teachers and the printing of some of our educational materials,” cited Inciong.

She added that ECCDC came up with a compendium of accomplishments to be submitted to PAGCOR to show how the Corporation’s contributions is utilized and appreciated by the country.

PAGCOR’s Corporate Social Responsibility Group Vice President Jimmy Bondoc, who received the Plaque of Recognition for PAGCOR, takes pride in the gaming firm’s role in promoting early childhood care and development.

“We are deeply honored to be a part of your mission in providing quality care for young children. I look forward to a brighter future for the Philippines as you help nurture healthier and smarter children,” he said.

Mayor Patricia Gonzales-Alsua of Ligao City Albay, who was also present at the ceremony, expressed gratitude to PAGCOR and ECCDC because her municipality was one of the pilot areas in Bicol where ECCD centers were established. “Around two years ago, the ECCD center was established in our area. It has interactive educational materials, apart from books and toys. We want to make it a model center for all the 82 day care centers in Ligao,” she said.

Apart from the P2 billion initial funding from PAGCOR, the ECCD program will continue to receive funding from the gaming agency by virtue of Republic Act 10410. ECCD will receive P500 million per year for another five years.

The ECCD Council is the primary agency of the government that provides support to early childhood care and development programs covering health, nutrition and early learning for children ages 0-6 years.

In 2013, RA 10410 or the Early Years Act repealed RA 8980 and changed the definition of early childhood from 0-6 years to 0-8 years old.

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