Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. expressed his gratitude to more than 1,800 Child Development Teachers and Workers in the province for their vital role in the holistic development of children and youth.
He made the remark during the opening of the two-day Child Development Teachers and Workers Provincial Convention at Punta Villa Resort, Iloilo City, on Thursday, August 13.
“Your role is very crucial. Before children can enter elementary and secondary school, they must first undergo Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).
The Iloilo Provincial Government fully supports you because our vision of total youth development cannot be achieved without you,” Defensor emphasized.
“Salamat gid kay kamo ang nagahatag tyempo sa aton mga kabataan,” he added.
The governor highlighted his administration’s programs for youth development, including Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya (BES Probins), School-based Multi-purpose Teen Centers, and Family and Youth Development Centers (FYDCs).
He also introduced a new initiative—the establishment of the Child and Youth Development Center (CYDC) under the Office of the Local Youth Development Officer (LYDO).
The ₱5-million, two-story CYDC building will first be constructed in Barangay Cahaguikican, Pototan, with plans to expand to other barangays across the province. The ground floor will house the barangay’s ECCD program, while the upper floor will serve as the venue for the Sangguniang Kabataan.
Present at the opening program were Vice Governor Nathalie Ann Debuque, Ma. Theresa Medina of the ECCD Council, Vicente Tan representing Uswag Ilonggo Partylist Representative James “Jojo” Ang, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) Acting Head Rani Melvi Cuarte, Local Youth Development Officer Shiela Mae Tuares, and Elizabeth Ortega, president of the Provincial CDT/CDW Federation.
Child Development Teachers and Workers who have served for 25 years or more received certificates of recognition. Governor Defensor also hosted their Dinner and Governor’s Night socials.
The second day of the convention will feature technical sessions on upskilling and reskilling CDTs/CDWs, as well as activities focused on mental wellness, led by invited speakers.
The event was organized by the National Federation of CDT/CDW of the Philippines – Iloilo Chapter, with support from the PSWDO.
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