Comprehensive and Integrative ECCD System
- Covers service delivery from conception to age 6 years.
- Includes education for parents and caregivers.
- Encourages active community and parental involvement.
- Focuses on raising awareness about quality of life for children and families.
Mandate of the Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and NECCDCC
- Ensures sustained inter-agency and multi-sectoral collaboration at national and local levels.
- Coordinates program implementation for early childhood care and development.
Promotion of Collaborative Efforts
- Calls for intensified collaboration among government agencies, NGOs, private sector, media, local and international organizations, families, and communities.
- Supports the Child Friendly Movement and specifically the Bright Child program.
Directive to National Government Agencies
- All relevant agencies are directed to actively support and implement programs related to the Bright Child.
- The Bright Child program delivers a unified package of interventions addressing food, nutrition, health, early education, and psychosocial needs.
Management Structure of the Bright Child Program
- The CWC Coordinating Office manages the program.
- An Inter-Agency Technical Working Group assists in developing implementation mechanics.
Lead Cooperating Agencies
- CWC/NECCDCC through co-chairpersons: Secretaries of Health, Social Welfare and Development, Education, and Interior and Local Government.
- These agencies lead the national, regional, and local development and delivery of services, especially in nutritionally depressed areas.
Roles and Responsibilities of Lead Agencies and Partners
- Promote integrated service delivery through convergence of programs at home, community centers, and schools.
- Key services include:
- Pre and postnatal care
- Breastfeeding support
- Immunization
- Growth monitoring
- Nutrition education
- Micronutrient supplementation
- Complementary feeding and food assistance
- Food production at home and community levels
- Day care services
- Psychosocial development
- Parent education
- Early education initiatives
- Promotion of healthy lifestyles
Assistance and Support from Other Government Agencies
- Department of Agriculture promotes food security for marginalized sectors.
- Department of Labor and Employment supports workplace ECCD services and child's rights enforcement.
- Department of Justice promotes children's rights within the justice system.
- National Nutrition Council advocates for proper nutrition.
- National Economic and Development Authority assists in funding efforts.
- Food and Nutrition Research Institute conducts periodic community evaluations.
- Encourages participation from NGOs, civil society, academe, private sector, and international agencies.
- Involves parents and communities in planning and sustaining programs.
Funding Provisions
- Allocates P5 Million from the President's Contingent Fund for campaign promotion and seed funding.
- Targets initial implementation in nutritionally depressed municipalities.