Early childhood education gets 2026 budget boost – EDCOM 2EDCOM 2 said at least P57.8 billion was allocated to the Local Government Support Fund, which includes funds to cover the conversion of day care centers to child development center standards by fourth and fifth class municipalities. MANILA, Philippines — The Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM 2) lauded the significant budgetary support for early childhood education under the 2026 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The 2026 budget also includes significant investments in upskilling of incumbent child development workers through a P226.9 million scholarship program under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority. EDCOM 2 added that the government has also increased the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Supplemental Feeding Program and the Department of Education’s School-Based Feeding Program. An additional 1.18 million learners in Grades 2 to 6 who are classified as wasted or severely wasted will also receive meals for the same duration.

Source: Philippine Star January 08, 2026 18:33 UTC