Camille Villar
MANILA, Philippines – Senatorial aspirant Camille Villar is calling for the expansion of daycare centers across the country to provide working parents with accessible and affordable childcare while ensuring young children receive the early education and support they need to thrive.
Recognizing the growing demands on Filipino families, Villar is advocating for stronger government investment in early childhood care and development (ECCD) as a critical step toward empowering both parents and children.
Camille Villar
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“For many Filipino families, access to quality childcare remains a challenge,” Villar said. “Working parents, especially mothers, are often forced to choose between their careers and caring for their young children. We need to build a system where parents don’t have to make that difficult choice—where they can work with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment.”
Camille Villar
Addressing the Daycare Shortage
Villar highlights the significant gap in daycare accessibility, particularly in low-income and rural communities, where many parents rely on informal childcare arrangements or are unable to work due to the lack of options. She stresses the need for local governments to expand and upgrade daycare facilities to accommodate more children and ensure compliance with proper safety and educational standards.
“Daycare centers are more than just babysitting services—they are essential in shaping a child’s cognitive, social, and emotional development,” Villar explained. “Research shows that children who receive quality early childhood education perform better in school, have higher earning potential in adulthood, and are less likely to face developmental setbacks.”
She also calls for improved training and compensation for daycare workers, ensuring that caregivers and educators are well-equipped to provide the best care and learning experiences for young children.
Supporting Working Parents and Women in the Workforce
Villar emphasizes that investing in more daycare centers is not just about children—it’s also about supporting working parents, particularly mothers who often bear the burden of childcare responsibilities. She points out that accessible daycare facilities can help increase women’s workforce participation, contributing to economic growth and financial stability for families.
“Many women are forced to leave their jobs or work fewer hours because they have no childcare options,” Villar noted. “By expanding daycare services, we empower parents—especially mothers—to pursue careers, build businesses, and contribute to the economy without sacrificing their children’s well-being.”
She is pushing for public-private partnerships to establish more daycare centers within workplaces and communities, making it easier for parents to balance their responsibilities. She also advocates for government subsidies and incentives for businesses that support childcare services for employees.
A Commitment to a Family-Friendly Future
As part of her platform, Camille Villar is committed to prioritizing policies that strengthen support systems for Filipino families. She envisions a Philippines where every child has access to quality early education and every parent has the support they need to provide for their families without worry.
“Our children deserve the best start in life, and our parents deserve the support to provide it,” Villar concluded. “By expanding daycare centers and making them more accessible, we are investing in a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous future for all Filipinos.”