TACLOBAN CITY — Local government units across Eastern Visayas have strengthened their commitment to adoption and alternative child care through a formal partnership with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), sealed during a ceremonial memorandum of agreement signing held in Ormoc City on November 12, 2025.
The collaboration aims to reinforce the implementation of Republic Act 11642, the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, by ensuring stronger coordination between national and local partners in delivering child welfare services and structured pathways for adoption and alternative care.
About 10 mayors from cities and municipalities in the region joined the activity, including representatives from Ormoc City; Maasin City; Macrohon; Padre Burgos; Limasawa; Liloan; Silago; Sta. Rita; Lavezares; and San Roque.
NACC Undersecretary and Executive Director Janella Marie Ejercito Estrada led the signing and witnessing of the agreements alongside participating LGUs.
A symbolic ringing of the “Bell of Joy” highlighted the event, celebrating the successful adoption journeys of two children—Zhian Earl B. Labastida, 12, from Maasin City, and Alexie Mae Laplana, 6, from Malitbog—whose families received their Certificate of Finality and Order of Adoption during the ceremony.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
