CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY(June 18) — For many families, access to quality early childhood education remains one of the biggest challenges in preparing children for school. In Cagayan de Oro, local officials hope newly opened Child Development Centers and Supervised Neighborhood Play facilities will help bridge that gap.
The city government on Tuesday launched two new facilities designed to support children aged three to four years old, giving them a safe environment to learn, play, and develop essential skills before entering kindergarten.
One center was established in Barangay Macabalan within the compound of the barangay daycare center, while another was opened inside the headquarters of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao in Barangay Lapasan.
The facilities form part of the City Social Development Department’s Early Childhood Care and Development Program, an initiative aimed at strengthening the foundation of learning during the most critical years of a child’s development.
Mayor Rolando Uy described education as a long-term investment that shapes the city’s future.
“Education is an investment, as I believe that sustainable development starts in education,” the mayor said during the launch.
Why Early Childhood Matters
Studies consistently show that the first years of life are crucial in shaping a child’s cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. Children who receive quality early learning opportunities are more likely to perform well in school, develop positive social behaviors, and enjoy better long-term outcomes.
Yet access to early childhood services remains uneven in many communities, particularly among low-income families who may lack resources for preschool education.
The opening of community-based Child Development Centers seeks to address this gap by bringing services closer to families and creating spaces where young children can learn through structured play and guided activities.
The Supervised Neighborhood Play facilities, meanwhile, provide opportunities for children to interact with peers in a safe and monitored environment while developing communication, motor, and social skills.
Beyond Buildings and Facilities
While the launch is being welcomed as a positive step, child development advocates note that the success of such programs depends on more than physical infrastructure.
The quality of teaching, availability of learning materials, nutrition support, parental involvement, and the training of childcare workers are equally important in ensuring that children benefit from early learning programs.
Experts have long emphasized that investments in early childhood development yield some of the highest returns in education, helping reduce future learning gaps and improving children’s readiness for formal schooling.
For many parents, particularly those from disadvantaged communities, accessible child development centers can also ease childcare burdens while ensuring that children receive age-appropriate stimulation and support.
Building a Child-Friendly City
The launch comes as Cagayan de Oro continues to strengthen its reputation as a child-friendly local government.
According to the 2025 Child-Friendly Local Governance Audit covering the city’s 2024 performance, Cagayan de Oro earned an outstanding score of 88.13 percent. The assessment measures how effectively local governments uphold children’s rights and provide services that promote their welfare and development.
The rating reflects efforts to create communities where children can learn, play, and grow in safe and supportive environments.
Still, challenges remain. Urban growth, poverty, malnutrition, child protection concerns, and unequal access to educational opportunities continue to affect many families.
The new Child Development Centers and Supervised Neighborhood Play facilities will not solve these issues on their own. However, they represent an important investment in prevention—addressing developmental needs early before learning difficulties and social disadvantages become more difficult to overcome.
For parents in Macabalan, Lapasan, and neighboring communities, the centers offer more than childcare services. They provide a chance for young children to begin their educational journey with stronger foundations, greater confidence, and better opportunities for success in the years ahead.
As the city expands child-focused programs, the challenge will be ensuring that every child—not just those living near the new facilities—can access the support needed to thrive during the most important years of development.
