Long Read
childcare costs and options in canagatan: what i actually paid
okay, so i moved to canagatan last fall with my two kids and let me tell you-finding childcare here was a mess. first thing i learned: don't trust the "affordable" label on google maps. canagatan's average daycare rate is about 8,500 php per month, but that's before you factor in "uniform fees," "activity packs," and the "early registration premium" they hit you with.
what the locals actually said
overheard at a coffee shop near san pedro street: "i switched to home-based care. 5k a month, and tita lorna actually cooks them lunch." another mom added, "yeah, but tita lorna's place smells like fried fish all day."
the math (because i had to)
- *daycare centers: 7,500-10,000 php/month
- home-based care: 4,000-6,000 php/month
- nannies: 5,000-7,500 php/month (live-out)
- preschool*: 12,000-15,000 php/month (half-day)
and here's the kicker: canagatan's safety index is around 65/100, which isn't terrible, but you still want a place with cctv or at least a gate.
my setup
we ended up splitting care: 3 days at a local daycare, 2 days with a neighbor who runs a tiny home setup. total monthly cost: about 9,500 php. it's chaotic, but it works.
quick tips (bullet style)
- visit the daycare unannounced-see how they handle surprises
- ask about teacher turnover; high churn = red flag
- check if meals are included (some sneak in 1k extra)
- always ask about sick-day policies
random facts i learned the hard way
canagatan's rent for a 2-bedroom is around 15,000-20,000 php/month, and the nearest international school is a 45-minute drive in iligan city. also, the weather here? hot and humid 80% of the year, with random downpours that flood the main road near the plaza.
where to look
- Canagatan Mommies Facebook Group
- Yelp Canagatan Childcare
- TripAdvisor Canagatan Family Tips
if you're moving here, budget extra for "surprise school projects" and keep snacks in your bag. trust me.
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