Updates: Department Activities

The UP Department of Family Life and Child Development (UPDFLCD) attended the culminating ceremony of Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata, a certificate program for the upskilling of Child Development Workers (CDWs), held on April 13, 2025 at the municipal gym of Baras, Rizal.

The event recognized the achievement of 49 CDWs who successfully completed six months of intensive training and three months of mentoring. Notably, 10 CDWs who applied for the National Certificate III (NC III) for Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) also passed the qualifying exam, marking a significant milestone in their professional journey.

Kayang Kaya Para sa Bata is a project of the Knowledge Channel Foundation, Inc. (KCFI), funded by the Rotary Club Global, aimed at empowering CDWs with developmentally appropriate, child-centered teaching strategies, digital resources, and certification to strengthen early childhood education. Through its partnership with KCFI, UP DFLCD faculty members played a vital role in designing, writing, implementing, and mentoring the CDWs of Baras, Rizal.

UPDFLCD’s engagement in this project supports the newly enacted Republic Act No. 12199, the Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) System Act, which establishes an integrated system for holistic child development from birth to age eight. By professionalizing CDWs and strengthening Child Development Centers, the department contributes to advancing quality early childhood care and education in the Philippines.

The Department of Family Life and Child Development (DFLCD) warmly welcomed its new students for Academic Year 2025–2026 through two orientation events held on August 11, 2025.

For undergraduate students—including first-year students, shiftees, and transferees—the DFLCD joined the College of Home Economics (CHE) Welcome Orientation held at the UP CDC Auditorium. Organized by the Office of the College Secretary, the event offered students a chance to learn more about the academic programs of the College, understand key university policies and student conduct guidelines, and connect with peers and faculty in a supportive environment.

Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim, College Secretary and DFLCD faculty member, emphasized the importance of such gatherings: “Attending orientation helps students feel more confident and informed as they begin their journey. We want this batch to start strong and feel supported every step of the way.”

Later that afternoon, the DFLCD hosted a separate online orientation via Zoom for its incoming graduate students enrolled in the Master of Family Life and Child Development (MFLCD) and Diploma in Early Childhood Development (DECD) programs. Department Chair Assoc. Prof. Charla Rochella S. Saamong welcomed the students and introduced key resources and protocols to guide them through their academic journey. The newly appointed Department Graduate Committee (DGC) Chair, Asst. Prof. Josephine Louise F. Jamero, was also introduced during the session.

With six new MFLCD students and three new DECD students this semester, the orientation served as a meaningful first step in building a strong foundation for their graduate studies.

As the new academic year unfolds, the DFLCD looks forward to walking alongside its students—fostering growth, deepening understanding, and shaping future advocates for child and family well-being.

(written by Asst. Prof. Lester John C. Lim)