Senator Sherwin Gatchalian announced on Monday the critical role of a PHP80 million scholarship fund, included in the 2025 national budget, aimed at enhancing the skills of child development workers (CDWs) across the Philippines. Speaking at the CDW Provincial Congress in Mati City, Davao Oriental, on December 9, 2022, Gatchalian emphasized the importance of this initiative for the professional development of CDWs.
Gatchalian, who chairs the Senate Committee on Basic Education, highlighted that the scholarship fund, managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), will focus on upskilling and reskilling CDWs. He noted that the program prioritizes workers with educational attainment up to high school, aiming to boost their effectiveness in their roles.
The senator, also co-chairperson of the Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II), stressed that this step is vital for supporting CDWs in their duties. The scholarship program, developed in collaboration with the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, is expected to benefit around 2,854 CDWs, according to EDCOM II estimates.
Gatchalian’s initiative aligns with Senate Bill 2575, the Early Childhood Care and Development Alignment Act, which he authored and sponsored. This bill not only aims for universal access to early childhood education but also mandates upskilling and reskilling for CDWs. Under the proposed legislation, CDWs are required to complete training programs and obtain certification from TESDA, which will offer these services free of charge.