THE CITY government of Davao will sign an agreement with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) to localize the Philippine Foster Care Program.
Sheena Lyka Dollolasa, Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) XI Adoption & Alternative Child Care in-charge, said they coordinated with the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) to discuss the program.
During the June 3 episode of the Davao City Disaster Radio, Dollolasa said Councilor Wilberto Al-ag also expressed intent to support the initiative. Al-ag is the 20th City Council committee on social services chairman.
“We are still waiting for the invitation from the Sanguniang Panlungsod to attend their hearing to discuss the Philippine Foster Care Program,” she said.
The Philippine Foster Care Program aims to increase the number of licensed foster parents and families in local government units to combat illegal adoption in partnership with NACC and the RACCO.
LGUs are encouraged to develop at least 10 licensed foster families willing to help children in need.
The program aligns with the RA 11642, or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act.
“For example, ang Davao city, through the MOA, the city develops licensed foster parents, kung ang bata gikan sa Davao city, ang mga lisensyadong foster parents sa city mahimong foster families nila,” she said.
She added this will allow placement of the child much easier and monitoring of the situation of the child more convenient.
Foster families will serve as extensions and another option for CSWDO for child placement other than the existing residential care facilities in the LGUs.
RACCO XI has about 82 foster children under its care, 62 active licensed foster families, and issued orders of adoption for 34 children from January to May 2024.
Apart from the city, Malalag in Davao del Sur already passed a resolution to authorize the mayor to sign into MOA, RACCO XI awaits Monkayo, Davao de Oro for a recommendation to attend Sanguniang Bayan hearing, while Governor Generoso of Davao Oriental already expressed intent.
Magsaysay of Davao del Sur is the first LGU in the region to execute the signing during the 1st National Congress on Adoption and Alternative Child Care 2024 in Acacia Hotel, Davao City on May 8.
RACCO XI advised interested foster families to attend the mall forum on the adoption and foster care program at SM Davao on June 11, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., as part of the annual Adoption and Alternative Child Care Week.
