Significance

       The first five years of life is crucial to the growth and development of the child.  During this period of 50% of physical growth and 90% of brain development occur.  Moreover, there are critical periods in brain development when the environment can influence how the human brain is “wired” for functions such as Math, Language, Music and Physical activity. If these windows of opportunities are missed due to lack of appropriate stimulation, like preschool experience, malnutrition, poor health, it will be very difficult for the brain to re-wire itself a later time.

       SY 1997-1998 data on early childhood care and development (ECCD) shows only 33.5% of three to five years old have gone to preschool or daycare. The number of day care centers has increased from 20,211 in 1993 to 32,073 in 1997.  But there are still some 27.6% or 11,577 barangays without day care centers.  That translates to three barangays in 10 that do no provide early childhood stimulation and development for children, three to five years old.

            Children who have had the benefit of appropriate and adequate early childhood care and development experiences tend to be better prepared for formal schooling and hence, less likely

to drop out.  Problems that currently plague the formal school system such as student participation, motivation, staying power and achievement are now being traced to the lack of or inadequate provision of early childhood care and stimulation

​Literacy

          The literacy rate has steadily increased from a baseline of almost 90% in 1989 to nearly 94% in 1999.  This indicates a positive trend that the Year 2000 goal of 98% basic literacy will be achieved. Children (aged 0-17) comprise one-third of the total population.  The 1995 Census reflects an estimated 30.9 million children which represents nearly 45% of the total Philippine population.  While data remains inadequate, available statistics have shown that a great number of the child population continue to be under Situations needing special protection-and the number continues to increase in greater proportions over the years.  These are the children needing special care and attention to ensure their normal development.