Young children in the island-barangay of Lantangan, Carles, Iloilo, now have access to a safe, comfortable space that supports their early childhood development and learning needs.

Daycare worker Elenor Dahuya shared that the new child development center was established to provide a nurturing environment where children can learn, play, and socialize without concern for safety or comfort.

She described the previous structure as dilapidated, with a leaking roof that made learning difficult. During rainy days, children had to move around to avoid getting wet, and pails were placed inside the classroom to catch rainwater, disrupting the lesson flow.

The situation was far from ideal, affecting both the children’s comfort and their ability to focus. Additionally, parents of the learners had to cook their meals in makeshift kitchens outside the day care center.

During heavy rains, they would often have to search for alternative areas to prepare nutritious food, further complicating their daily routines, said Dahuya.

Dahuya also recounted how she sometimes used her own home’s free space to continue classes when the classroom became unusable, highlighting the community’s commitment to children’s education despite challenges.

Barangay Lantangan is the second-highest barangay with the number of children in the town of Carles, following Bancal, according to Dahuya.

Dahuya has been a daycare worker for almost 16 years and is familiar with the situation. There were times when the enrollees reached 96 young learners.

Dahuya has worked as a daycare provider for nearly 16 years and is familiar with the situation. At times, the number of enrollees has reached 96 young learners. The children aged up to six years old are enrolled at the daycare center.

Recognizing the importance of early childhood education, the Barangay Local Government Unit of Lantangan endorsed the expansion of the child development center project for KALAHI-CIDSS Philippine Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP) funding, which aims to improve the living and learning conditions of young children in the community.

Dahuya said they now have a spacious space. Children can learn good hygiene at an early age, and parents have the space to cook nutritious food for their children. The kitchen has its countertops and storage.

The day care center is designed with child-friendly features, including colorful interiors, age-appropriate learning materials, and safe play areas. Even parents of the learners are excited to send their children to the daycare center.

The features made the children feel at ease, encouraging them to explore, learn, and develop essential skills in a supportive environment.

The facility also aims to ease the burden on parents and guardians, providing a reliable place for their children while they attend work or other responsibilities.

With the new facility, children now have a safe and supportive environment to grow, learn, and thrive, paving the way for a brighter future for the young generation of Lantangan./dswd/mmc