Balaba calls for professionalization of daycare teachers in the city

“If we must invest in the development of our city, we must put importance on investing in the education of our children as they are the future leaders of our city. We can only ensure the quality education of our children if we also have quality educators.”

Councilor Balaba brought attention to this critical issue during her special report presented at the regular session on Monday, presided over by Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez. She introduced a proposed ordinance which advocates for the professionalization of Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) service providers and aims to grant them benefits and privileges outlined by the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD).

To support the proposal, the councilor referenced research studies conducted by UNICEF several years prior to the pandemic. These studies revealed learning loss among young students, emphasizing the urgency of addressing educational needs to secure a promising future for the youth.

“When we say learning loss, ang usa ka 15-year-old na bata is six years behind basi sa iyang mental aptitude test. So ang 15 years old na bata ang iyang natun-an mura lang og sa 9-year-old na bata. Tungod niini, ang atong kagamhanan naninguha na maka recover aning learning poverty pinaagi sa mga programa na mapalig-on ug mahatagan og dakong importansya ang mga ECCD providers. Kay base usab sa mga studies, children who enrolled in early pre-schools have better production when they enter regular schools,” Balaba further stressed.

Considering these issues, Balaba emphasized the importance of educators in accomplishing the objective of early childhood education. However, she disclosed that most teachers leave their jobs for various reasons such as low pay, insufficient job expertise, and job security.

“Walay seguridad ang pagtrabaho sa atong mga daycare teachers and yet these daycare teachers can go on trainings and seminars shouldered by our city government. Sayang, kung buot huna-hunaon ang kwarta nga igasto sa atong syudad alang sa pag-conduct sa trainings sa atong mga daycare teachers only to be replaced and fired at the behest of punong barangays anytime. So mao kana ang buot natong likayan,” the councilor further manifested.

As requested, the matter was referred to the City Council Committees on Education, on Social Services, and on Barangays, respectively chaired by Councilors Suzette Daba, Balaba, and Yan Lam S. Lim, for appropriate action.