BAGUIO CITY – The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO)-CAR recently raised awareness on the importance of legal adoption and foster care.
The NACC was established as a quasi-judicial agency under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) through the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, also known as R.A.11642. This new body aims to centralize all government initiatives related to adoption and alternative child care. Event was part of NACC’s ongoing advocacy efforts to promote the welfare of children and ensure that they are given equal rights and opportunities.
In a recent media forum, the panelists included USEC Janella Ejercito Estrada, the Executive Director of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC). Joining her were Imelda R. Ronda, responsible for the domestic adoption division at NACC, and Felisa A. Singlan, who holds the role of Officer-in-Charge at the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). Also present were foster parents Ms. Mary Libron and Ms. Jenny Alipio and Ms. Rose Wacnag Cardenes, recognized for her role as an adoptive parent.
Undersecretary Estrada emphasized that there is no issue with adoption and there is nothing wrong with the term “ampon” since everyone falls under the acronym AMPON: Anak (child), Magulang (parent), Pamilya (family), Ordinaryo (ordinary), but Natatangi (special). The NACC engages in essential services such as domestic adoption, alternative child care options, and inter-country adoption within their domain.
By bringing together these services under one umbrella organization, the NACC is expected to simplify the process for prospective parents and caregivers, making it more accessible and affordable. This initiative marks a crucial step towards enhancing child welfare practices in the country.
In the Cordillera a significant level of engagement in administrative adoption and alternative care persists. According to the latest data as of December 2023, a total of 19 children have been granted a Certificate Declaring a Child Legally Available for Adoption (CDCLAA).
Further, 28 children have been matched for domestic adoption, while 2 children have found placements for inter-country adoption. Additionally, 56 children have been entrusted to licensed foster parents in the region, as highlighted by USEC. Estrada.
NACC took part in the Panagbenga Grand Floral Float Parade 2024 showcasing a float with a superhero theme featuring characters named “Super Ampon” and “Wonder Foster.” According to Undersecretary Estrada, prospective adoptive and foster parents are the true heroes for abandoned, neglected, surrendered, orphaned, abused, and exploited children. By Joy Anne M. Palaoag