Mandaue eyes accreditation of day care centers

The Mandaue City government is eyeing to accredit all its day centers with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing said in his third State of the Children’s Report (SOCR) yesterday at the City Cultural and Sports Complex that the city targets to accredit the remaining three centers by next year.

This will provide children with an "up to standard" education and a chance to become high achievers, said Quisumbing.

Cebu City has 49 day care centers, 46 of which were already accredited by DSWD.

"Angayan man sad kay truly, the most important duty and responsibility we have is to make sure that we're able to provide a better future para sa next generation. That's what we've been building to over the last two years especially sa atong early education,” he said.

The mayor has recognized the role of day care centers in the development of children’s well being.

"Studies show that children given proper early childhood care have a higher chance in succeeding in school. Thus, we made it our strategic priority to improve our daycare centers to become accredited daycare centers by the DSWD," he said.

The program is under DSWD’s Early Childhood Care and Development, which aims to assist in the comprehensive development of children until six years old.

This is also in line with the Barangay Day Care Program of 1987 which provides parental care to children below six years old through activities that develop their social, mental, psychological and physical capacities.

Among the city government’s challenges is providing an environment that is highly conducive to learning, said Quisumbing.

"We have seen an increase year on year, except for this year, of the enrollment and the number of students coming to schools. It’s becoming very difficult for us to provide conducive learning environments," the mayor said.

Jessie Perez, officerin-charge of the City Social Welfare Services, said the city will embark on upgrading the facilities, manpower and modules of its day care centers.

"Requirement man gyud na siya sa standard bureau sa DSWD nga tanan schools, bisan ma private or ma-public, dapat accredited tanan. Once ma accredited, conducive ilahang learning while they are in the day care center," he said.

He said most of the city’s day care centers have a three-star rating, still far from the five-star level which is equivalent to an outstanding rating. The three-star rating is equivalent to an exemplary rating.

Around 2,000 day care pupils and secondary students attended Quisumbing’s SOCR, which was in line with the 26th year of the National Children’s Month celebration.

Republic Act No. 10661 declares every November as the National Children’s Month. —