SENATORIAL candidate and Makati Mayor Abigail Binay has emphasized the importance of strengthening early childhood education, citing Makati’s innovative daycare program which she said was key to the exemplary performance of its public school students in the recent National Achievement Test (NAT).
“Our program (in daycare) is good because that is what we say is our secret why our scores are high in the National Achievement Test,” Binay said in Filipino.
She said the children’s education starts in the kindergarten, daycare, or pre-kinder levels, thus when the children reach Grade 3, they are already good in reading and literacy.
Binay made the pitch as she visited Quezon province where she met with local government officials and leaders in the cities of Tayabas and Lucena.
Binay made her first stop at the New Tayabas City Hall, where she met with Mayor Maria Lourdes Reynoso-Pontioso and other local officials and employees.
Citing a Department of Education report, Binay said Makati’s public schools surpassed regional and national average scores across all assessment areas and subjects in the 2023-2024 National Achievement Test (NAT) administered to Grade 6 students.
During the Ugnayan sa Barangay in Lakawan, Tayabas, Binay reiterated her advocacy for providing free maintenance medicines, especially for senior citizens, which she intends to pursue at the Senate.
Binay was also given a tour of the historic Minor Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel, a cherished landmark of the city.
In Lucena City, Binay met with Mayor Mark Don Alcala and Vice Mayor Roderick Alcala at the city hall where they discussed Makati’s digital initiatives.
At a lunch meeting with Rep. Mark Enverga, Binay said she will push for the provision of quality medicines to those in need, including maintenance medicines for hypertension and diabetes, instead of purely cash assistance. She narrated how, through the proper prioritization of budgetary allocations, Makati has been able to provide not only maintenance medicines like insulin for free, but also shingles vaccines which cost nearly P20,000.
She also attended a daycare pre-recognition event where she reiterated the importance of early childhood education in the optimum development of children.
She also shared that the city distributes educational toys and promotes a love for reading among preschoolers.
“It is important that children, even when they are little, love to read. Literacy and numeracy skills are important. Even though they are little, let’s start with them. Because, when they reach Grade 5, it will be too late,” Binay said.
Binay was also scheduled to visit the towns of Tiaong, Candelaria, and Sariaya, where she will engage with local officials and communities.
She earlier reaffirmed her commitment to advancing policies that empower local governments and improve healthcare and education across the country.