Leyte Governor Carlos Jericho Petilla has called on local chief executives across the province to actively support the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) in its alternative care initiatives, specifically focusing on foster care and administrative adoption.

The governor’s appeal came during a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing ceremony held on Friday, where NACC was represented by Undersecretary Janella Ejercito-Estrada, alongside the League of Municipalities of the Philippines, Leyte Chapter, led by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla.

Petilla underscored the critical role that local governments must play in ensuring the success of these child welfare programs.

He reminded the mayors that their commitment should go beyond simply signing a pledge of support.

“It’s not enough to just sign a piece of paper,” Petilla said. “We need to ensure that this program is properly implemented in our communities. While the national government plays an important role, local government involvement is crucial. As local leaders, we must offer not just support, but an active partnership — we are, after all, parents too.”

Mayors from 40 towns in Leyte, along with municipal social welfare officers or their representatives, were present to sign the agreement, solidifying their commitment to the cause.

Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, in her speech, shared a personal story highlighting the challenges of adoption. She recounted how a close friend endured a four-year wait for the approval of her adoption papers.

With the process now streamlined, Mayor Petilla stressed the importance of this initiative in creating stable and loving families for children in need.

“This agreement empowers local governments to be frontline partners in identifying potential foster and adoptive parents within our communities. We will help train and prepare these families to welcome children with love and care, ensuring that every adoption placement is successful and sustainable,” she said.

Tingog Partylist Representative Jude Acidre was also in attendance, pledging full support for the NACC’s alternative child care program.

Acidre highlighted the significant challenges that prospective adoptive parents faced before the creation of the NACC and the passage of Republic Act (RA) 11642 — the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act. These included bureaucratic delays, court procedures, and high costs.

“This event is more than just a formal signing; it represents a shared commitment to making adoption and foster care processes more accessible and efficient. It’s a visible sign that our laws are working, our partnerships are growing, and our compassion is paving the way for change,” Acidre said.

Undersecretary Ejercito-Estrada expressed her gratitude to the local leaders for their unwavering support of the program.

She cited the significance of the initiative in providing hope and new beginnings for children who are abandoned, neglected, orphaned, or abused.

“With this agreement, we are creating a future where every child who loses their parents or family has the option of adoption, ensuring they are welcomed into a loving home,” Estrada said.

Those who may be placed under foster care include a child who is abandoned, surrendered, neglected, dependent, or orphaned; a victim of sexual, physical, or any other form of abuse or exploitation; someone with special needs; and someone awaiting adoptive placement and who would have to be prepared for family life. (PNA)