VILLABA, LEYTE- On November 14, Villaba, Leyte, celebrated Children’s Day with a meaningful event centered on creating safer, more nurturing environments for children. Leyte 3rd District Board Member Marie Kathryn Veloso-Kabigting spearheaded the celebration, thanking the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Villaba and Child Development Workers for their efforts in making the event a success.

Themed “Ending the Cycle of Violence to Establish a Safer Community,” the day featured children’s talent shows and the distribution of educational materials for daycare centers. Kabigting, along with Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho “Icot” Petilla, provided supplies for 37 daycare centers in Villaba, benefiting 517 children.

Supporting Teachers and Students

The event was part of a broader literacy and numeracy project that runs year-round, aimed at equipping daycare centers with engaging and manipulative learning tools. These materials were designed to help children aged 3 to 5 develop skills in name writing, numeracy, and phonics.

“Studies show that learning is most effective when it is peaceful and fun. This approach reduces anxiety and creates a more conducive environment for children’s brain development,” Kabigting said. The materials are durable and reusable, ensuring long-term use in classrooms.

Addressing Learning Poverty

Kabigting highlighted the importance of early education, noting that 95% of brain development occurs before the age of seven. Early exposure to literacy and numeracy activities, she explained, prepares children for Grade 1 and helps combat learning poverty.

“In the Philippines, 9 out of 10 children struggle to understand basic concepts, as shown in international assessments. Initiatives like this can help address that issue,” she said.

Advocating for Education Reforms

Kabigting also called for systemic changes in how daycare centers are managed, advocating for a shift from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to the Department of Education (DepEd).

“In private schools, early childhood education is more focused, with smaller class sizes and better resources. Public schools must replicate this model to ensure quality education for all,” she emphasized.

Daycare teachers, who currently earn just ₱5,000 per month, also face challenges in acquiring their own teaching materials. Kabigting aims to ease their burden by providing supplies and advocating for better support.

Expanding the Initiative

Beyond Villaba, similar educational materials have been distributed in Leyte’s 3rd District, including towns like Tabango, San Isidro, and Calubian. Kabigting has proposed extending the program province-wide with the support of Governor Petilla.

“It makes me happy to see the children enjoying and learning through these fun and interactive materials. It’s also heartwarming to see daycare workers recognized for their dedication to the children’s education,” Kabigting shared.

The celebration not only highlighted the joy of childhood but also underscored the need for systemic reforms to improve early education and empower teachers.

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