The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) expresses its full support for Senate Bill (SB) No. 2575, also known as the “Basic Education and Early Childhood Care and Development Alignment Act.” This bill focuses on amending the current provisions in Republic Act No. 10410, with the intention of aligning the basic education curriculum and the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) curriculum.
Introduced by Senators Sonny Angara, Win Gatchalian, Ramon Revilla Jr., and Risa Hontiveros, SB No. 2575 envisions to address the learning gaps of students between the two education curricula, thus strengthening the learning ability of students as they move up in their respective grade levels. In fact, this also takes into consideration the recent developments in the conduct of classes, as it recognises “other innovations and alternative modalities” in the implementation of the basic education curriculum in the country, with periodic reviews to ensure that it remains relevant to the status quo.
It is also important to note that SB No. 2575 looks into the ECCD curriculum’s focus on the child’s holistic development and utilises play as its core component for all children below five years of age. The curriculum also emphasises on the “delivery of complementary and integrative services for […] health, nutrition, safety, security and well-being, sanitation, and cultural activities” for children.[1]
The Commission positively views this bill to significantly aid in the full development and socialisation of the Filipino child in their respective households and communities. We hope that this will further pave the way for the Philippines’ better fulfilment of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which emphasises on the State obligation to take all appropriate measures to ensure that the rights of all children are guaranteed, including their right to quality and accessible education.
CHR looks forward to the developments in SB No. 2575, as this will further promote the well-being and dignity of children by ensuring that they are provided with learning opportunities that enable them to discover and pursue their personal growth. Ultimately, it is our shared responsibility to ensure that the rights and dignity of every Filipino child are put first across all aspects.###
[1] Senate Bill No. 2575, Basic Education and Early Childhood Care and Development Alignment Act https://legacy.senate.gov.ph/lis/bill_res.aspx?congress=19&q=SBN-2575