South Cotabato, Philippines –The Provincial Government of South Cotabato has etched its commitment in improving access to quality education at the earliest stage of learning after the the simultaneous construction of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Centers in Lake Sebu and Tantangan South Cotabato.
Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo, Jr. has repeatedly emphasized that education remains one of the top priorities of his administration, recognizing that a strong foundation in early childhood learning is essential to long-term educational success and community progress.
“These centers will ensure that even children in remote barangays receive proper early education and care, giving them a fair start in life,” said Irish Ameller, an ECCD teacher from one of the project sites, expressing gratitude for the provincial government’s continuous investment in education.
Sonia Bautista, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, said the ECCD Centers are part of South Cotabato’s broader education and human development agenda, which also includes scholarship programs, classroom rehabilitation, and teacher support initiatives.
“By prioritizing the welfare and education of children, the province envisions building a generation of well-prepared, responsible, and capable learners who will contribute to the future growth and development of South Cotabato,” Bautista stressed.
In 2022, the province was honored as one of the awardees for the inaugural Gawad Edukampyon for ECCD under the national Gawad Edukampyon for Local Governance, recognizing it as a champion in early childhood care and development for its innovative programs and compliance with national ECCD standards.
The initiative is implemented through the Office of the Provincial Engineer in coordination with the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer and local government units, aims to provide young learners with safe, child-friendly, and conducive learning spaces that support their physical, emotional, and intellectual development.
