(City of San Fernando, Pampanga) More Than 2,000 day care workers in the seven provinces and 14 cities of Central Luzon converged at the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center in this city in celebration of the 33^rd Regional assembly of Day Care Workers with the theme, “ Day Care Workers: Sa Matapat, Mahusay, at Magiliw na Paglilingkod, Kakayahan at Kagalingan ng mga Bata ay Sigurado  ”.

The annual assembly, which was spearheaded by the Regional Federation of Day Care Workers and the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office III (DSWD FO III), seeks to familiarize and promote camaraderie among the day care workers in the region.

The event was also aimed to strengthen the partnership with the families, local government units (LGUs) and community and also to familiarize them with Republic Act 7610 Also Known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

DSWD FO III Director Gemma B. Gabuya of the DSWD Field Office III lauded the day care workers for their contribution in the physical, social, and intellectual development of the pre-school children. She added that the Day Care Service is a part of the government social protection mandate for pre-school children.

Gabuya also assured the day care workers that the DSWD is continuously advocating for the passage of the Magna Carta of Day Care Workers.

Meanwhile, Maribeth Ortiz, MSWDO of Guagua Pampanga shared the Municipality of Guagua’s Best Practice in the Implementation Of Day Care Service.

The highlights of the event were the dance competition among the provincial/city day care federation chapters where Zambales won the first place while San Jose del Monte City won the first place in the Draw and Tell contest.

The event, which was hosted by the Province of Pampanga, was part of the observance of the Day Care Workers Week which is being observed on the first week of June of every year. The celebration, which is mandated by Presidential Proclamation No. 404 series of 2003, recognizes the vital role of the day care workers in the promotion of the rights of children. ### (Social Marketing Unit)