Aligned with its vision of creating safe spaces for children, the City of Valenzuela joined forces with the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and signed a Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of the Philippine Foster Care Program (PFCP) in the city, November 25, 2024.

Going above and beyond its existing initiatives for protecting the rights and ensuring the welfare of the children, the City Government of Valenzuela entered a partnership with the National Authority for Child Care in the adoption of the Philippine Foster Care Program, making Valenzuela City the 82nd LGU to take part in the program. This program aims to provide safe and nurturing homes for abandoned, neglected, or orphaned children. Valenzuela City is also the first LGU in Metro Manila to sign up a partnership with NACC.

Mayor WES Gatchalian, Vice Mayor Lorie-Natividad Borja, NACC Usec. Janella Ejercito Estrada, and Asec. Rowena Macalintal spearheaded the ceremonial signing of the agreement which took place at the Valenzuela City Hall Atrium.

The Memorandum of Agreement is pursuant to Ordinance No. 3233, Series of 2024 which states the partnership between NACC and the LGU in “promoting and protecting the rights of the children who are for adoption, foster care, and are in need of  special protection in Valenzuela City.”

In her message, the Executive Director of NACC, Usec. Janella Ejercito Estrada expressed her high hopes of broadening foster care in the city. “This MOA signing po is a symbol of our commitment to work together for the children and to make sure that foster care reaches more families here in Valenzuela. And through this partnership po, we are one step closer in giving our foster children a better future.”

Championing child welfare, Mayor WES Gatchalian conveyed the city’s plans for strengthening child protection programs. “Ang Valenzuela ay committed sa pag-aaruga ng mga bata; committed sa pagtaguyod ng maayos na Pamilyang Valenzuelano, hindi lamang po para sa mga kababayan natin, kung hindi pati na rin sa mga magulang na nais mag-take part in this program.”

In the previous week, another ceremonial signing of an agreement related to foster care also transpired between the City Government of Valenzuela and the Consuelo Zobel Alger Foundation. This collaboration aimed to support the implementation of the Foster Care Program through technical assistance, capacity-building workshops, and mentoring for social workers and service providers.

The City of Valenzuela has been recognized for its comprehensive child protection initiatives; having been an awardee of Galing Pook this year for establishing a holistic child protection center and child protection policies. Alongside, the city also built several care homes such as Bahay Pag-asa and Bahay Kalinga which cater to children in conflict with the law and those who are neglected, abused, or exploited.

For more inquiries on how to become a foster family, contact the Valenzuela City Child Protection Center at 8352-1000 loc. 2122, or send an email to adoption.fostercare.val.ph@gmail.com.

In Valenzuela City, every child deserves a home that is secured and nurtured with love and tender care.

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