Give daycare workers more benefits — solon
A party-list solon is pushing for additional benefits for the daycare workers which most of whom are volunteers.
Bicol Saro Representative Brian Raymund Yamsuan made the call following the government’s recent move to release P1 billion to fund the establishment of more child development centers (CDCs) in low-income communities across the country.
Yamsuan said funding the establishment of new CDCs should be complemented by investments to empower daycare workers to improve their capabilities in providing early childhood care and education.
These investments should include, among others, providing each daycare worker with a teaching supplies allowance amounting to at least P5,000 per school year, and free continuing education to enhance their skills, Yamsuan said.
“We laud the President and Secretary Amenah Pangandaman [of the Department of Budget and Management] for approving the release of P1 billion for the establishment of CDCs in low-income local government units (LGUs). We cannot discount the importance of early childhood care and education in aiding the learning success and shaping the emotional and social development of our children,” Yamsuan said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. had announced that the P1-billion fund will be used to set up CDCs in 328 low-income barangays.
“Government funding to set up new child development centers, especially in marginalized communities, should be accompanied by corresponding investments to strengthen the capabilities of daycare workers through additional benefits and training,” Yamsuan said.
“Our hardworking daycare workers should not be made to spend the small honoraria they receive to buy teaching materials and other supplies. Ensuring support for them would lead to better learning outcomes for the kids under their care,” Yamsuan said.
Yamsuan said his proposed measures to “care for daycare workers” are outlined under House Bill (HB) 10224, which he hopes to re-file in the next Congress.
