Key national government agencies have formally signed the implementing rules and regulations for Republic Act (RA) 12199, establishing a framework to strengthen early childhood care and development services nationwide.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Education Secretary Sonny Angara, and Early Childhood Care and Development Council executive director Teresita Inciong signed the rules to enact the Early Childhood Care and Development Systems Act.

Signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2025, RA 12199 aims to address gaps in healthcare, nutrition, early education, safety and social services for children aged 5 and under.

The newly signed rules establish clear roles for national agencies and local government units. Under the guidelines, every province, city and municipality is required to set up a dedicated early childhood care office to oversee local programs and service delivery.

Local governments are also directed to maintain functional childcare facilities — including day care centers, childminding centers and health stations — and establish workplace and community-based childcare initiatives.

Funding for the programs will be sourced from local funds, the Special Education Fund, and the Gender and Development Fund, along with public-private partnerships.

Under the framework, the Department of the Interior and Local Government will monitor compliance among local units and provide technical support. The department will also integrate early childhood care metrics into the assessment criteria for the Seal of Good Local Governance.

The signing ceremony was attended by House Representatives Roman Romulo and Jude Acidre of the Second Congressional Commission on Education, DILG Assistant Secretary Jesi Howard Lanete and members of the early childhood council.