Parents, caregivers join KOICA workshop on early childhood care and dev't

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) recently underscored improved early childhood care and development awareness and stronger caregiving skills in a two-day workshop for parents and caregivers in Muntinlupa City.

In a statement on Tuesday, KOICA said 50 participants took part in the Team Project Volunteers Program workshop held on November 18 and 19, the third one for this year.

Its “Teach From Home” module created by the Early Childhood Care and Development Council (ECCD Council), University of the Philippines, and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) provides caregivers with play-based strategies to implement early childhood development practices at home.

They also joined 15 young children either diagnosed or suspected to have neurodivergent conditions in a three-hour play-based learning session.

The workshop followed earlier batches in March focusing on “Music, Movement, and Arts,” and in May focusing on the “Being the Best” module.

“The KOICA Team Project Volunteers continue to promote the holistic development and well-being of infants and toddlers in Muntinlupa,” KOICA said, adding that they are planning to host two more batches of the workshop in 2026.

KOICA is South Korea’s official development cooperation agency, with its programs focusing on promoting sustainable development and improving education, healthcare, and social welfare in partner countries.

In May, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a law to boost early child care and development targeting children aged 0 to 5 years old.

Republic Act 12199 or the “Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act” sought to enhance early education, nutrition, and caregiving support for young children and lay the foundation for their long-term growth and success.  

South Korea is among the countries that recruit caregivers from the Philippines.

In 2024, it launched a project with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), seeking 100 caregivers to assist with childcare and daily tasks such as cleaning and laundry. — JMA, GMA Integrated News