DSWD leads ASEAN Conference on Early Childhood Care and Development

As part of its goal to become the world's standard in social welfare and development, the Philippines through the Department of Social Welfare and Development will host an ASEAN Conference on Early Childhood Care and Development on July 10 to 12, 2012. The conference will be held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila and will gather various policy makers and program implementers involved in ECCD from government and recognized non-government agencies in the Asian Region.

The event aims to create a comprehensive and seamless ECCD system that will ensure the respect, promotion and fulfillment of children's rights.

About 30 participants from 10 ASEAN countries – Brunei Darussalam; Cambodia; Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam will attend the conference.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman and Korean Ambassador Hye Min Lee will lead the opening ceremonies.

During the three-day conference, participants will share and exchange good practices on ECCD, especially focusing on building systems, policies, frameworks, and governance. The activity will also enhance the understanding, knowledge and capacities of participants as critical actors in building an integrated ECCD system.

"The Philippines is committed to supporting early childhood development, hence various programs and policies being implemented by the DSWD are geared toward the fulfillment of a responsive ECCD," Secretary Soliman said. - dswd.gov.ph — ARA