ILOILO City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 has achieved a major milestone in child protection.
Its Home for Girls in Cabatuan, Iloilo earned certification from the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), making it one of only three recognized Child Caring Agencies (CCAs) in Western Visayas that have met the government’s stringent standards for adoption and alternative childcare services.
The Home for Girls serves as a temporary residential facility providing comprehensive care, protection, rehabilitation, and a nurturing environment for girls below 18 years old who require government intervention and support.
The certification affirms that the residential facility fully complies with the requirements for the Certification of Adoption and Alternative Child Care Programs and Services under Republic Act No. 11642, or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act, and Memorandum Circular No. 3, Series of 2024.
Janice Brasileño, officer-in-charge of the Regional Adoption and Child Care Office (RACCO), formally presented the Certificate of Recognition to Home for Girls Center Head Jojie Jumola and Social Welfare Officer II Corazon Cabrera during ceremonies held on Aug. 3.
The NACC certification signifies that the center has satisfied national standards designed to ensure the safety, welfare, and well-being of children under institutional care.
The accreditation process requires public and private child-caring organizations to comply with strict operational, program, and service standards to guarantee quality care and protection for vulnerable children.
Following the recognition, RACCO 6 said it will continue monitoring and evaluating child-caring agencies throughout the region through its Standards, Accreditation, and Monitoring Section headed by Social Welfare Officer III Myra Estremadura.
The event was attended by DSWD-6 regional director Joselito Estember, Assistant Regional Director for Operations Katherine Joy Lamprea, and Rhea Valdellon, Social Welfare Officer IV and head of the Center-Based Services Section.
The agency said the continuing oversight aims to ensure that accredited facilities consistently comply with prescribed standards while further improving the quality of services provided to children needing residential care.
DSWD-6 said the certification reflects the dedication of the Home for Girls personnel and strengthens the agency’s commitment to providing safe, nurturing, and fully compliant residential care services for vulnerable children./PN
