Senator Win Gatchalian is encouraging incumbent Child Development Workers (CDWs) across the country to take advantage of the newly approved National Certificate (NC) III on Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD), now officially available through TESDA.
Gatchalian earlier pushed for the allocation of ₱80 million under TESDA’s 2025 budget to fund the program, which includes scholarships specifically for incumbent CDWs whose highest educational attainment is high school or below.
Under Republic Act No. 12199 or the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act, CDWs are required to undergo reskilling and upskilling, as well as pass TESDA’s assessment and certification. This certification process will be free of charge.
The law also states that senior high school graduates and high school graduates who have completed at least two years of college are qualified to become CDWs, provided they also undergo the necessary assessment and certification.
To align with the provisions of RA 12199, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) will revise the position titles and review the qualification standards for Day Care Worker I and II positions.
This initiative aims to professionalize the sector, strengthen early childhood care in the country, and ensure every Filipino child receives quality foundational education.
