Another area of emphasis under the 10-point education agenda of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III addresses the universal pre-schooling.

There are many children whose parents/guardians cannot afford to send them to pre-school. Some may meet the requirements where they can be offered by private institutions. Others are just above the poverty line where they do not meet the requirements and do not have any choices. The universal pre-school programs will give them a choice.

It is important to give children the opportunity to grow and develop during such crucial age. This is when their minds are growing and developing the fastest. It is at these ages that we should help them with that by giving them required education. It also prepares and gets them ready for going into primary school. It makes the transition much easier than going straight from being at home to all of a sudden being in a classroom, being expected to do work and learn on demand. The benefits of pre-school are amazing and research proves it. Also research has shown that children who go to a quality pre-school are less likely to get held back a grade, commit future crimes or need special education.     

In pre-school,children learn to go from reactive thinking, to being able to think before they actually act. Early childhood education is an investment for success all through the following school years and beyond into adulthood. The benefits of a universal pre-school are far larger than the costs and expensesthat government would incur. Not only with the children who are just above the poverty line be able to attend, but the other children of all circumstances will be able to also. This is a chance to give free education to all Filipino children, and which will benefit them in the long run. 

By: Florenda C. Fabico | Teacher I | Mariveles National High School – Poblacion | Mariveles, Bataan