“No Filipino child should be denied the love and support of a family.”
Senator Grace Poe said this as she welcomed the finalization of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act or Republic Act (RA) 11642.
“This is a milestone in our shared aspiration to ensure the best interest and future of our children,” said Poe, co-author and co-sponsor of the landmark law on child care.
The veteran legislator keynoted the ceremonial signing of the IRR at the Manila Diamond Hotel last June 28, which coincides with the 40th day since Poe’s adoptive mother Susan Roces passed away on May 20.
“By simplifying the process of adoption while according utmost protection for the child, we strengthen the ties that bind deserving parents and children longing for a home.”
“By simplifying the process of adoption while according to utmost protection for the child, we strengthen the ties that bind deserving parents and children longing for a home,” the seasoned lawmaker explained.
Effective 15 days after its publication in a newspaper of general circulation or in the Official Gazette, the IRR is expected to buttress collaborative efforts for the highest welfare of Filipino children in pursuit of the law.
RA 11642 provides for simpler and inexpensive domestic administrative adoption proceedings and streamlines services for alternative child care.
“By removing the judicial phase, we have shortened the procedure, making it less tedious and less costly.”
“By removing the judicial phase, we have shortened the procedure, making it less tedious and less costly. By creating an adequately staffed one-stop-shop on alternative child care, all applications will be handled more efficiently and effectively,” the lady senator added.
She also acknowledged the efforts of fellow co-authors and co-sponsors particularly Senators Risa Hontiveros and Pia Cayetano and Representative Yedda Marie Romualdez; the executive department led by the Department of Social Welfare and Development; nongovernment organizations and academic institutions led by the University of the Philippines Law Center, which crafted the IRR.
At the same time, Poe urged the National Authority for Child Care and concerned agencies to guarantee the best interest of Filipino children.
“Adopting a child may not change the world, but it will certainly change the world for that child,” she reiterated.
