Employees from the Provincial Government of Lanao del Sur (PLGU-LDS), together with Municipal/City Planning and Development Coordinators (MPDCs) and Municipal/City Local Government Operations Officers (MLGOOs), gathered for a two-day planning workshop to enhance Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) programs in the province. Held at New Dawn Hotel Plus on February 26-27, 2025, the workshop was organized by the Provincial ECCD Coordinating Committee (PECCDCC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG) and UNICEF, with support from the European Union. The primary objective was to review the Provincial ECCD Strategic Plan and finalize the 2025 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP).

The event commenced with opening remarks from Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer (PDRRMO) Shaminoden D. Sambitory, who underscored the importance of early childhood education in shaping the future of Lanao del Sur. He reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to strengthening ECCD services and ensuring that young children receive quality learning opportunities essential for their holistic development.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on the global, Philippine, and BARMM ECCD landscapes, with UNICEF specialists presenting insights into challenges and best practices in early learning. A significant session focused on institutionalizing ECCD in Lanao del Sur through the implementation of the Early Years Act (RA 10410) and the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, which provide a legal foundation for expanding early childhood services. A representative from MILG gave an overview of the 2025 CFLGA, highlighting its importance in advancing child welfare initiatives.

Another key aspect of the workshop was the introduction of the ECCD Calculator, a vital tool designed to aid local government units in planning and budgeting for ECCD programs. Participants also revisited the draft Provincial ECCD Strategic Plan and worked on finalizing the 2025 AIP, ensuring alignment with local and national policies. The event concluded with the presentation of outputs and a summary of agreements, paving the way for the strengthened implementation of ECCD initiatives across Lanao del Sur.