IN LINE with its pro-child policy and programs, Mandaluyong have just become the first local government unit (LGU) to implement Republic Act 10165 also known as “The Foster Care Act of 2012”.
Called “Aruga at Kalinga sa mga Bata sa Barangay”-this program spearheaded by Mayor Benhur Abalos aims to have a licensed foster parents from each of the city’s 27 barangays that would help take care of abandoned and neglected children both in the city and from around the National Capital Region (NCR).
To be a licensed foster parent, one must have a good background, good health and reputation and must be able to secure documents such as a barangay clearance, a medical certificate, a marriage contract among others.
“This is a good program that all LGUs must implement in order to ensure the protection of abandoned and neglected children and infants. Mandaluyong have turned it into a community effort to ensure that more children and infants under this kind of predicament are provided proper care and protection,” Abalos stressed.
The city’s program has just welcomed three new infants under its care.
A days old baby girl who was left on a box placed under a parked jeepney in Barangay Plainview, a days old baby boy who is now under the care of the City Social Welfare Department (CSWD) headed by Baby Pillas and another eight month old baby girl who is now being taken care of in the city’s “Bahay Tuluyan”.
The city’s implementation of the foster care program ahead of other LGUs is no surprise as Mandaluyong has been named as the “Most Child Friendly City’ in the NCR for two straight years now.
This distinction is anchored on many programs and projects tht benefit children in the community. These range from nutrition and education programs to those that ensure their protection from harm and other threats.
Jenny Herrera
October 25, 2012
