MANILA, May 26 -- The Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) underscored the urgent need to strengthen the country's early childhood care and development (ECCD) and the need for child-sensitive media reporting.

CWC Executive Director Undersecretary Angelo Tapales cited this in an interview during the Bagong Pilipinas forum on Monday, especially in light of the recently signed Republic Act (RA) 12199, also known as the Early Childhood Care and Development System Act.

"Zero to eight (years) talaga is very crucial iyan (is really very crucial) to prepare children for formal education," he said.

Tapales said the period is recognized as a critical window for educational and developmental milestones, including the reduction of child morta...