Table 1 Summary of the Gains and Challenges

Policy Environment

• A remarkable policy framework — the ECCD Act of 2000 is comprehensive, integrative, and holistic in approach and has integrated funds to support implementation of the policy

• Enforcement still weak

• Positive enabling policy environment with a number of laws in place related to ECCD

• Lack of political commitment

• Resolutions and/or ordinances issued by local legislative bodies in support of ECCD

• Integration and convergence are concepts not yet internalized at all levels

• Inadequate financing

ECCD Governance Structures / Mechanisms

• Presence of multi-sectoral and inter-agency coordination mechanisms at national and local levels

• Implementing a coherent cross-sectoral coordination a key challenge

• Existence of lead agency for ECCD

• Functionality of local structures

• Roles for national agencies, local government units, etc. clearly spelled out in the ECCD Act

• Organizational stability of the ECCD Council/issue of “attachment” or “transfer”

• Clarity of the concept of integration and convergence

ECCD in a Devolved/Decentralized Set up

• Positive efforts of local government units in integrating ECCD in local development plans in keeping with the Local Government Code of 1991

• Linkage of local plans

• Sense of ownership of the ECCD program by the LGU

• Financing issue

• Greater accountability from the Local Chief Executives (governors, mayors, barangay chairpersons) and the local legislative councils at the provincial, municipal, city, and barangay levels.

• Uneven policy implementation, access and quality of ECCD services

• Can lead to fragmentation of resources/service delivery Ownership of LGUs in a devolved set up of national government commitments

• Issue of subsidiarity

• National government oversight and regulations