Led by Gov. Petilla
TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho ‘Icot’ Petilla urged local chief executives in the province to actively support the alternative care program of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), which promotes foster care and administrative adoption for children in need.
The call was made during the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between NACC, represented by Undersecretary Janella Ejercito-Estrada, and Leyte’s municipal mayors, led by the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Leyte Chapter President and Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla on Nov.13 at the Leyte Academic Center, Palo, Leyte.
Governor Petilla stressed that the commitment goes beyond signing documents.
“We cannot just rely on the national government. Our role is to give support that is more than support because we are also parents,” he said, emphasizing the need for mayors to ensure proper implementation of the program in their communities.
Representatives from all 40 towns, including municipal social welfare officers, affixed their signatures to the MOA, pledging to actively identify potential foster and adoptive parents, provide training, and support families to ensure every placement succeeds.
Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla shared the challenges faced by adoptive families in the past, noting that the approval process could take years. “Now that the process has been shortened, it should be supported as it helps in creating families for children who are longing to have parents,” she said.
Tingog party list Representative Jude Acidre also pledged support, citing the hurdles that existed before the enactment of Republic Act 11642, the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, including bureaucratic delays and high costs.
“This event is not just a signing, it’s a commitment, a visible sign that our laws are working, our partnerships are growing, and our compassion is taking direction,” he said.
NACC Undersecretary Estrada thanked the Leyte mayors for their support, noting that the program ensures abandoned, neglected, orphaned, abused, and exploited children can grow up in loving and caring families. “Today we all commit to make it possible by all means necessary so that whenever a child loses a parent or family, the option of adoption is always available,” she said.
The MOA strengthens local government units as frontline partners in promoting alternative child care and legal adoption, helping children in vulnerable situations secure stable, nurturing homes.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
