Muntinlupa: The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and Muntinlupa's city government have signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) to strengthen the local implementation of adoption and alternative child care programs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Muntinlupa became the second local government unit to formalize an agreement with NACC to institutionalize comprehensive child care services for children in need of permanent homes, following Quezon City.

NACC Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada emphasized the significance of the MOA, stating, "This MOA represents a shared commitment to protect, nurture, and secure the future of children in need of permanent and loving families." Estrada highlighted the commitment to ensure that when a child in Muntinlupa loses a parent, the options of adoption and foster care are readily available.

Under the agreement, NACC will provide technical support and capacity-building to the Muntinlupa Social Services Department. The local government unit will institutionalize policies, promote public advocacy at the grassroots level, and implement NACC's programs, including "KAYA Ko: Kaalaman at Abilidad, Yamang Angkin Ko!", a program designed to prepare children coming of age for independent living.

Previously, Muntinlupa partnered with NACC through the Philippine Foster Care Program (PFCP). The new MOA is expected to expand this partnership to include more permanent and comprehensive child care interventions. As of June 13, NACC has issued 1,063 Orders of Adoption for domestic cases, placed 418 children for inter-country adoption, and currently supports 1,075 children under the PFCP.

Since its inception in 2022, NACC has developed 1,997 adoptive and foster care families nationwide. The MOA signing on June 30 coincided with the Quarterly Technical Sharing Session for social workers in the region, emphasizing shared learning and cross-sector collaboration in advancing child care systems nationwide.