BALANGA CITY – The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) led the 2025 Child Development Workers (CDWs) Week celebration in Bataan, recognizing the vital role of CDWs in providing early childhood care and education.
With the theme “Child Development Workers sa Bagong Pilipinas: Mapagkalinga, Makabayan, at Makabata,” the event brought together over 300 CDWs from across the province to celebrate their contributions to child development.
Highlights of the celebration included a folk dance competition, the awarding of certificates for EduChild Rollout Training, and the recognition of this year’s Huwarang Child Development Workers.
Governor Jose Enrique Garcia III reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to supporting CDWs, acknowledging their vital role in shaping the formative experiences of young children.
“In Bataan, our child development workers are a priority because we recognize your significant contributions to families and to our children’s first structured learning outside the home. Because of your dedication, our children develop a love for learning and education,” Garcia said.
The governor also lauded the commitment of many CDWs, especially those serving as volunteers, and assured them of continuous support from both provincial and local governments, in line with the national government’s grassroots empowerment agenda.
PSWDO Head Maria Cristina Lopez highlighted that strengthening families remains central to Bataan’s development programs.
“Beyond daycare services, we have integrated the EduChild program, treating parents not just as guardians but as active partners in child development,” Lopez shared.
The EduChild program equips parents with practical knowledge on effective parenting, fostering stronger families and communities.
Lopez reported a significant increase in participation, with 106,000 graduates this year, compared to 67,000 last year.
Meanwhile, Hermosa CDW President Jeniline Lapid expressed gratitude for the province’s sustained support.
“Nagpapasalamat po kami sa walang sawang suporta ng ating pamahalaan. Malaking tulong ang mga programa tulad ng EduChild upang matulungan din ang mga magulang na mapabuti ang kinabukasan ng kanilang mga anak (We are grateful for the unwavering support of our government. Programs like EduChild are a big help in assisting parents to secure a better future for their children),” Lapid said.
The celebration reflects the Bagong Pilipinas agenda of the national government, which prioritizes family welfare, education, and community empowerment as foundations for sustainable development.
CDWs, also known as daycare workers, are vital in providing early childhood care, education, and development programs that shape the future of Filipino children. (CLJD/RPQ, PIA Region 3-Bataan)