The City Government of Isabela, in coordination with the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) IX and the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), successfully conducted Day 2 of the NACC and LGU Partnership (NLP) Orientation and Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Signing on November 18. The activity marks another significant step in advancing child care systems and strengthening collaboration among local and national stakeholders.
City Administrator Pedrito Eisma, representing Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman, delivered the opening message, emphasizing the City Government’s continued commitment to promoting the welfare and protection of children. He highlighted the importance of strong local partnerships in implementing the National Legal Process (NLP) and ensuring that vulnerable children receive proper care and support.
This was followed by a message from Louisivi Oliva, Head of the Public Information Division of NACC, representing Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada. Oliva underscored the critical role of accurate information dissemination and inter-agency coordination in implementing child care policies across the region.
An orientation session was conducted by NLP Focals Leslie Ann Paspasan and Alexandra Pilanga, who emphasized the vital role of LGUs in implementing administrative adoption, foster care, and other alternative child care services for children who are abandoned, orphaned, neglected, abused, or surrendered.
Dr. Jaylin Sahipa, OIC Regional Head of RACCO IX, delivered an inspiring message reaffirming the regional office’s dedication to enhancing alternative child care services and ensuring the seamless execution of the NLP program.
The program centered on the ceremonial MOA signing led by City Administrator Eisma representing Mayor Turabin-Hataman, RACCO IX OIC RD Dr. Sahipa, NACC PID Head Oliva and CSWDO Head Nor Aina Asmara, symbolizing the strengthened partnership between NACC, RACCO IX, and the City Government of Isabela in advancing child-centered programs and services.
The partnership supports the full implementation of RA 11642, ensuring streamlined, faster, and child-centered adoption and foster care processes at the local level. Under the MOA, NACC will provide technical assistance, training, and oversight, while the LGU will designate a social welfare focal, develop licensed foster parents, and assist in case documentation and filing.
Through this initiative, Isabela City continues to affirm its dedication to safeguarding the rights and well-being of children by fostering cooperation, accountability, and responsive service delivery. (Words by SJ Asakil/Photos by M. Santos, CIO)
