Mothers always want what’s best for their children. I say this not only as someone who has worked in education for decades but also as a mother of two and now a grandmother of two. Watching my children grow— and now seeing my grandchildren thrive—has deepened my belief that the earliest years of life are truly foundational.A session of KCare, a three-day training on early childhood development, was held in Pateros in May 2024

My eldest grandson began attending a children’s center when he was just a year old. With both his parents working, they wanted to ensure he had opportunities for early learning at home and in a nurturing environment outside of it. Now three years old, he is curious, playful, surprisingly knowledgeable and full of life. I’ve had the joy of taking him to and from school and caring for him often. Even as a baby, we could understand each other through simple looks and expressions. His laughter, gestures and the way he looked at me often spoke volumes. I believe it’s this kind of loving, responsive care that builds a child’s sense of security and confidence.

Science supports what many mothers and grandparents have known intuitively: the early years—birth to age eight—are a critical window for development. By age five, a child’s brain is already 90% developed. During these years, children form the foundation for how they learn, relate to others and see themselves. This is why early learning—through songs, play, stories and conversations at home—is so important. And when this is supported by quality early education, it can make a lasting difference. Research shows that children who receive quality early childhood education are more likely to stay in school and perform better in later grades.

But the reality in the Philippines remains sobering. Only a small percentage of children aged three to four are enrolled in child development centers. And many of the workers in these centers—called child development workers—are not trained in how to best support young children. Often hired on short-term contracts by local governments with limited funding, they are expected to carry out one of the most important responsibilities in society. And while the law rightly assigns responsibility for early childhood services to our local government units (LGUs), many LGUs still lack the resources and training to do this effectively.

At the Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc., we recognized the gap and sought to help. We developed a program called KCare, which trains child development workers, social workers, parents and barangay officials in the principles of the Nurturing Care Framework and the National Early Learning Framework of the ECCD Council. So far, we’ve reached 261 barangays—small steps toward a larger goal of giving every child the best possible start in life.

This May, we honor mothers who (together with fathers) serve as a child’s first and most enduring teachers. Whether through lullabies, laughter or quiet understanding, they lay the groundwork for children to become joyful, lifelong learners. To all parents and caregivers doing their best: thank you.

We invite you to join us in reaching more mothers, fathers and early childhood workers across the country. Let’s work together to give all children, especially the most underserved, the nurturing and learning they deserve.

To support the training of child development workers in your barangays, cities or municipalities, or to donate, please contact Knowledge Channel Foundation Inc. at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or donate directly via BPI Account No. 0201-0409-14.

Together, we can make a lasting impact—one child, one family, one community at a time. 

 The author (seated, in dark blue) with KCare donors and participants