Proposed ordinance professionalizing ECCD service providers up for refinement

THE City Council Committees on Social Services, on Education, and on Barangay Affairs, respectively chaired by Councilors Joyleen Mercedes L. Balaba, Suzette M. Daba, and Yan Lam S. Lim, in its joint meeting two days ago, referred to the City Legal Office, Local Finance Committee, and Human Resources and Management Department for comments, revisions, and other appropriate actions the proposed ordinance professionalizing Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) service providers.

This, after Mr. Elmer Wabe from the City Budget Office recommended the matter to undergo technical evaluation by the Human Resources Department so as to adhere to the standard procedures and budgetary policies during the planning and budgeting for 2025. 

“Para mahan-ay ang tanan, we just like to recommend na ato sa ning istudyohan ang mga increase kay they are also entitled to this. But ang technical provision and legal implications, ato sa istoryahan para tuloy-tuloy na ug limpyo na ang tanan ug dili na ta maglalis kung ensakto ba ni o dili.  After all, ang atong tumong is for everybody to be happy according to the services they have rendered to the city government,” he further stressed.   

Meanwhile, Atty. Izelle Felice Fuentes of the City Legal Office informed that the proposed ordinance is presently under their review. Regarding the budgetary concerns, these have been forwarded to both the City Budget Office and HRMD due to anticipated creation of plantilla positions, she added. 

“As to the content of the proposed ordinance, I think there is still a lot to amend, (so) we still seek for the advice and recommendations of the mentioned offices,” the representative further cited. 

The proposed ordinance seeks to promote, provide benefits, and improve the total well-being of the service providers  and develop their skills and capabilities, so they become more responsive and equipped to deliver childcare programs in their areas of responsibility.