YAP, Arabella R.

CONWORL | BDGE2

CONWORL Final Paper

Senate Bill No. 2315
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
Filed on July 17, 2023 by Villar, Mark A.

Nursery and childcare centers play a vital role in promoting the intellectual, social,
emotional, and physical development of children, which ultimately shapes their future learning.
Unfortunately, for many Filipino parents, most specifically those parents who have to work for
their families, these facilities are either too expensive or simply out of reach. Employed or
working parents face the silent struggle of balancing their professional duties with the
responsibility of ensuring their children’s well-being. This often leads to increased stress levels,
less family time, and financial strain. Improving working parents’ welfare is crucial, as they also
play a significant role in unlocking the potential of their children for upward social mobility and
a better quality of education and future.

The introduction of childcare institutions would positively impact children’s learning.

According to UNICEF’s 2019 Southeast Asian Primary Learning Metrics (or SEA-PLM)
National Report for the Philippines, Grade 5 students who received Early Childhood Education
(or ECE) were less likely to repeat a grade and achieved higher test scores compared to those
without such experience. However, there is an inequality in access to ECEs, with a majority of
those with access coming from high socioeconomic backgrounds and private schools. Not only
that, every child needs the utmost care and attention, most especially less fortunate children who
struggle to have a quality education. These children often face additional challenges and
disadvantages in their lives. They may also come from low-income families, unstable living
conditions, or difficult circumstances that can hinder their overall development and well-being.

Providing them with an affordable childcare facility, extra care, and the attention they need can
positively impact their physical health, emotional resilience, and cognitive development.
Furthermore, by offering them a nurturing and supportive environment, these can help build their
self-esteem, confidence, and social skills, which are crucial for their success in school and
beyond. Additionally, children experiencing poverty can also encounter numerous obstacles
when trying to access education. Enhancing their educational opportunities can have far-reaching
benefits, including improved societal health and longevity, economic growth, and even aid in
combating climate change – as it all begins with education. However, in developing nations like
the Philippines, various factors can restrict children's access to education. Challenges such as
language barriers, traditional gender roles, and the reliance on child labor hinder the
advancement of quality education. Whereas, unfortunately, the most vulnerable children from
disadvantaged communities are at higher risk of missing out on schooling.

The diagram below represents the ceaseless rate of poverty in the Philippines but only having
minimal subsidence or decrease over the years:
 Figure 1. Poverty and Subsidence Incidence Among Population, Philippines: Full Year 2015,
2018, and 2021

Knowing all these facts, the proportion of children who are attending school by poverty status
has been indeed negatively prominent over the past years. As claimed by research conducted by
the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS) titled "Child Poverty in the Philippines,"
it was found that the child poverty rate in the country is still increasing despite recent economic
growth.

Figure 2. Proportion of Children 6 to 17 who are Attending School, by Poverty Status, by Single
Year of Age, Starting 2009
The data indicates that in 2009, around 36 percent or one-third of all children which is
approximately 13.4 million children below 18 years old, were living in poverty. This data is
gauged or measured based on their income levels, whereas, about 4 million children lacked
access to proper sanitary toilet facilities, and safe water was unavailable. Additionally,
approximately 260.000 children were deprived of adequate shelter. The study further pointed out
that poverty in the Philippines, whether measured by income or the lack of basic amenities like
water and sanitation, is predominantly concentrated in rural areas. It was also observed that three
out of four income-poor children reside in rural regions, and eight out of ten children who lack
access to sanitary toilets are also found in rural areas.

These emphasize the adverse effects of poverty on children as they have no choice but to work to
support their families, thereby hindering their pursuit of education. Not only that, lack of access
to education can also negatively impact their future work or employment opportunities. While
there are already given challenges that could not weigh in their lives any enough, the
implementation of the new K-12 education program has further posed additional challenges for
families in keeping their children in school.

Hence, enacting this bill could create learning opportunities for children by establishing facilities
or programs that offer more childcare and educational opportunities. This could involve
initiatives to enhance the quality of education, boost access to educational resources, and expand
early childhood education. Additionally, the bill aims to increase teachers' effectiveness by
providing them with better resources, training, and support – ultimately leading to a more
engaging learning environment for students. The bill also tackles inequalities in early childhood
care and strives to address disparities in access to such care, ensuring that all children, regardless
of their background, have equal chances for growth and development. It lays the foundation for
comprehensive education, ensuring that every child receives a solid basis for their future
learning. The bill also acknowledges the dedication of teachers and their role in shaping young
lives. Lastly, by recognizing and valuing their commitment and hard work, the legislation aims to
inspire and empower teachers to continue delivering quality education. In the most essence, the
core goals of this bill revolve around promoting equitable learning opportunities for children,
empowering and supporting teachers, and rectifying discrepancies in early childhood care. Such
a law could bring extensive advantages to the education system and the holistic development of
children, preparing them for a more promising and successful future.

Whereas, in specific details, it was stated that the Act seeks to enhance the well-being, safety,
and growth of teachers by making nursery and childcare services easily accessible, affordable,
and of high quality within or near public schools in the Philippines. With this Act:

● Accordingly, all public schools are required to set up nursery and childcare facilities on
their premises or nearby, within one kilometer, for the benefit of their teachers. These
facilities must adhere to standards established by the Department of Education (DepEd),
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Local Government Units
(LGUs).
● To encourage participation, the DepEd will implement an incentive program for schools
that comply with the Act, offering potential tax credits, subsidies, or awards. Periodic
 evaluations by the DepEd and DSWD will assess the effectiveness, affordability, and
accessibility of the childcare facilities.
● The funding for implementing the Act will come from the DepEd and DSWD's
allocations in the annual General Appropriations Act (GAA), supplemented by possible
donations, sponsorships, and lawful means.
● The Act requires the DepEd, in collaboration with the DSWD and relevant stakeholders,
to develop implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from its enactment to
govern the establishment, management, and funding of childcare facilities.
● If any part of the Act is deemed unconstitutional or invalid, it will not affect other
provisions that remain effective and applicable.
● Lastly, the Act repeals or adjusts any existing laws or provisions that contradict its
principles, and it will be enforced fifteen days after being published in at least two widely
circulated newspapers.

Having an education despite poverty is a transformative force that can break the cycle of
difficulties and pave the way for a child's brighter future. While poverty presents numerous
challenges, education still continues to be an important tool for empowerment and social
upliftment. It provides children with knowledge, skills, and the ability to think critically –
allowing them to overcome obstacles and improve the circumstances they may encounter in the
long run. Education also proposes personal development and allows children to dream beyond
the situations they are in. It further allows them to learn new skills that can lead to better
opportunities and higher potential, giving them a way out of hardship. Furthermore, education
fosters resilience and determination, instilling the belief that even in the face of adversity, change
is possible. Education promotes social mobility and fosters a more inclusive society in which
talent and potential can flourish regardless of socioeconomic background. Overall, the value of
education in the face of poverty cannot be overstated. It is a strong catalyst for personal
development, social progress, and economic development. Even in the most difficult
circumstances, societies can unlock their children's and people's potential, break the chains of
poverty, and establish a more equitable and prosperous future for all by putting forth prior
childcare and education.
References:

Drew, C. (2023, July 22). Lack of education: 11 lifelong effects. Helpful Professor.
https://helpfulprofessor.com/lack-of-education/#:~:text=Quick%20Answer%3A%20The%
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0who%20lack%20education%20have,unemployment%2C%20exploitation%20and%20ge
nder%20inequality.

Padiyar, S. (2022, May 4). How does the lack of education cause poverty?. Ecole Globale.
https://www.ecoleglobale.com/blog/the-lack-of-education-cause-poverty/#:~:text=In%20m
any%20cases%2C%20education%20is,what%20little%20money%20they%20have.

Rueckert, P. (n.d.). 10 barriers to education that children living in Poverty Face. Global
Citizen.
https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/10-barriers-to-education-around-the-world-2/

Viray, P. L. (2014, October 10). Pids: Child poverty rate climbing. Philstar.com.
https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/10/10/1378649/pids-child-poverty-rate-climbing

Villar, M. A. (2023, July 17). ESTABLISHING NURSERY AND CHILDCARE FACILITIES

PROXIMATE TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS. Senate of the Philippines - 19th Congress.
http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=19&q=SBN-2315