Selected academicians and education leaders of the Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) constitute the think tank behind the proposed law on strengthening early childhood education in the country, May 13.

Hon. Michael L. Romero, Representative of 1PACMAN Party-list, submitted the House Bill (HB) No. 10387 entitled “An Act Strengthening Early Childhood Education through the Mandatory Inclusion of Early Childhood Education Programs in Universities and Colleges with Existing Bachelor Degrees in Elementary Education” to the House of Representatives, Quezon City.

He cited the following LSPU faculty and leaders as “instrumental and consultants in the proposition and submission” of the said house bill: Dr. Chester Alexis Buama, Faculty Regent; Ms. Stephanie Angela Aguirre, faculty; Mr. Jann Arlie P. Agawin, faculty; Dr. Mario R. Briones, University President; Dr. Sherwin B. Sapin, faculty; and Dr. Michelle B. Sarmiento, Executive Assistant to the University President.

HB No. 10387, to be known as the “Early Childhood Education Expansion and Enhancement Act of 2024, or THE ECE 2024 ACT” upon its approval into law, aims to promote qualified teachers in the field of early childhood education.

Despite the efforts to improve teacher quality in the past decade, only less than 10% receive pre-service training in the subject matter and pedagogical knowledge skills, while others are trained upon entering the teaching force, as stated in the explanatory note of the said house bill. 

The bill Mandating Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to offer a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with at least a specialization in Early Childhood Education, “ensures that the early childhood education sector is given the highest level of importance.” 

Specifically, it covers the provision of specialized knowledge and skills to effectively teach and support young children and adequate training and expertise among educators in early childhood education to enhance the quality of education provided to learners in the age group of 0-8.

Dr. Buama, one of the LSPU consultants, clarified that the proposed program, Bachelor of Elementary Education major in Early Childhood Education (BEECEd) differs from the existing Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd) since the former adds specialization to the existing generalist program while the latter is a specific program for early childhood education.

The house bill is set to be read in the House of the Representatives during one of its regular sessions for its concurrent endorsement.