MSSD Drives ECCD Improvements in BARMM with Strategic Benchmarking Initiative
COTABATO CITY (June 5, 2024) — The Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD) is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). From May 6-10, 2024, MSSD leaders and program coordinators engaged in a comprehensive benchmarking and capacity-building program at the Seda Centrio Hotel in Cagayan de Oro City, targeting the enhancement of community resilience.
The MSSD collaborated with international partners such as the Korea International Cooperation Agency and UNICEF, the MSSD, along withe various ministries and agencies. It visited key ECCD centers in Misamis Oriental and Cagayan de Oro.
Utilizing the ECCD assessment tool, they evaluated the operations and management of Child Development Centers (CDCs) in these areas, gaining critical insights into effective ECCD practices and governance.
The benchmarking activities included learning visits and governance training, providing participants with a thorough understanding of the ECCD System. The sessions covered legal frameworks, policy development, and program implementation, offering a holistic view of ECCD operations.
The initiative underscores the MSSD’s commitment to adopting best practices and integrating them into the BARMM context to enhance early childhood services.
Led by MSSD Minister Raissa H. Jajurie and supported by other key officials such as Director General Mohammad Muktadir A. Estrella and Division Chief Sandra B. Macacua, the delegation demonstrated a strong commitment to ECCD governance.
Their focus on improving access, quality, and management of ECCD services is a testament to their dedication to the welfare of children and their families in BARMM.
Looking ahead, the MSSD is set to establish an ECCD regional council, aimed at ensuring sustainable governance and continuous improvement of ECCD services.
This council will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation of ECCD policies and programs, ensuring adherence to best practices and addressing the comprehensive needs of children and their families.
This strategic initiative represents a significant step towards building resilient communities in BARMM. By enhancing ECCD services, the MSSD is making a profound impact on the lives of the region’s children, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential. (Hasna U. Bacol, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
