NACC RACCO 8 - Eastern Visayas

03/09/2026

𝗡𝗔𝗖𝗖 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗱-𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽

The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) successfully conducted its Mid-Year Program Review and Evaluation Workshop (PREW) on August 24–26, 2026, at Bayview Park Hotel, Manila.

The three-day workshop gathered NACC offices, divisions, and Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOs) to review the implementation of NACC's programs, assess accomplishments against targets, identify challenges and gaps, and discuss action plans and priorities for the future.

Through PREW, the NACC takes notice of its progress and uses the results to guide program implementation moving forward. 💙💛❤

01/09/2026

𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀: 𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢 𝗩𝗜𝗜𝗜 𝗛𝗼𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗪𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 💙💛❤️

Recognizing that carers need care and support, too, the Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) VIII brought together licensed foster parents from across Eastern Visayas for a Capacity Building for Foster Parents on Managing Challenging Behaviors and a Wellness Session held on August 19-20, 2026, in Tacloban City.

The two-day activity provided an opportunity for licensed foster parents caring for teenagers and children with disability to come together, learn and share their experiences. The sessions strengthened their knowledge and skills through meaningful discussions on mental health awareness, positive discipline, stress management, and gratitude.

Through interactive games and learning activities aligned with the topics discussed, foster parents were encouraged to reflect on practical insights and share their key takeaways. The activity also provided a safe and supportive space for sharing experiences through a guided open forum, where foster parents openly expressed their thoughts and emotions, shared their experiences, and found comfort, encouragement, and support from one another.

A significant highlight of the wellness session was the Recognition and Awarding Ceremony honoring licensed foster parents who have served for five years or more of dedicated foster care service. The recognition was given in appreciation of their selfless service, compassion, and commitment to providing temporary substitute parental care and a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment for children in need.

The capacity-building and wellness session was an initiative of RACCO VIII to provide foster parents with an opportunity to rest, recharge, and prioritize their well-being while equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide quality care. It served as a meaningful reminder that while foster parents devote themselves to caring for children, their own well-being and need for support matters, too.

01/09/2026

The Regional Alternative Child Care Office VIII (RACCO VIII) facilitated a Regional Matching Conference on August 26, 2026, at the RACCO VIII Conference Room.

In attendance were the members of RACCO VIII’s Regional Child Placement Committee (RCPC), including Ms. Hilda Tambio, Social Welfare Officer III from DSWD Field Office VIII and the Chairperson of the said committee; Ms. Alicia Advincula, a social worker from a non-government organization and Alternate Chair; Dr. Teresita Cajano, a psychiatrist and Dr. Rhodora Angulo, a pediatrician, and Atty. John Rudy Tan, lawyer of the committee.

Also present were Social Welfare Officer III Nieves Balderian; Atty. Duchess Christile Marie Cobacha, Attorney III/Legal Officer; and the Matching Secretariat of RACCO VIII.

Following the recommendation of the RCPC and with the approval of Officer-in-Charge Kristine Penarañda, a couple who applied as Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) were approved and officially included in RACCO VIII's pool of Approved Prospective Adoptive Parents. Likewise, the couple was granted the authority to continuously place a child legally available for adoption, who remains under the couple’s care and custody.

Meanwhile, two children were approved for inclusion in the pool of available children for adoption matching. One of the children was also approved for continued placement with the current custodian.

Matching is a stage in the legal adoption and foster care process that involves the careful identification and selection of the most suitable family for a child at the regional, interregional, or intercountry level. The process upholds the best interests of the child through a comprehensive assessment of the child's unique needs and circumstances, as well as the capacity of prospective adoptive or foster parents to provide a safe, nurturing, stable, and supportive family environment.

01/09/2026

The Regional Alternative Child Care Office (RACCO) VIII successfully conducted another Pre-Adoption and Foster Care Forum on August 24, 2026, via Google Meet, with 48 participants, including Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) and Foster Parent Applicants (FPAs).

The forum provided participants with an opportunity to learn more about the mandates of the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and RACCO. Other discussions also covered the key provisions of Republic Act No. 10165 (Foster Care Act of 2012), as amended by Republic Act No. 11642, or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act; Republic Act No. 11222, or the Simulated Birth Rectification Act; and the full provisions of Republic Act No. 11642 governing adoption and alternative child care programs and services.

An engaging open forum followed, allowing participants to ask questions, seek clarification, and raise concerns about the processes and requirements for adoption, foster care, and other alternative child care services.

Held monthly, the Pre-Adoption and Foster Care Forum aims to increase public awareness and promote a deeper understanding of the different pathways available to provide children with safe, permanent, and nurturing family-based care. Attendance at the forum is also one of the requirements for individuals applying to become Prospective Adoptive Parents (PAPs) or Foster Parents (FPs).
The forum is free of charge and open to the public.

Interested in joining the next session? Stay updated by following the NACC RACCO 8 – Eastern Visayas page for announcements and schedules.

01/09/2026

𝗔 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗛𝗼𝗽𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝘄𝗼 𝗦𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀

The story of these two siblings, a seven-year-old boy and his five-year-old sister, is one of resilience, hope, and a family willing to open its doors and hearts.

The siblings were placed under alternative care after experiencing neglect from their biological parents. They were first admitted to the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), where they received care, protection, and support while their case was being addressed. They were later transferred to the Leyte Samar Center for Change Foundation, Inc. (LSCCFI), where they continued to receive the care and nurturing environment they needed.

Their journey eventually led them to a new chapter.

On August 17, 2026, the Regional Alternative Child Care Office VIII (RACCO VIII), in coordination with LSCCFI, co-facilitated a Discharge Conference for the siblings. During the conference, the children were officially entrusted to a licensed foster couple from Liloan, Southern Leyte.

Already blessed with three biological sons, the couple chose to open their home and hearts to the two children in need of a temporary, safe, and welcoming family.

For this couple, becoming foster parents is a first.

It may be their first time navigating the journey of foster care, but their decision speaks volumes. By opening their home and hearts to children in need, they have chosen to give the children the warmth and a safe place where they can feel cared for, supported, and valued.

Today, the two siblings begin another chapter of their journey. A chapter where they can experience the comfort of a home, the guidance of caring parents, and the simple yet meaningful joy of belonging to a family.

To every family considering foster care, your home could be the safe place a child has been waiting for.

If you are interested in becoming a licensed foster parent, visit your nearest Local Social Welfare and Development Office (LSWDO) or connect with RACCO VIII to learn more about the foster care program and how you can help provide a child with a safe and loving home.

31/08/2026

𝗦𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗼 𝘀𝗮 𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗺𝗴𝗮 𝗯𝗮𝘆𝗮𝗻𝗶! 🇵🇭💙💛❤️

Today, we honor the courage and sacrifice of the men and women whose love for the Philippines helped shape the nation we know today.

As we commemorate National Heroes Day, may their legacy continue to inspire us to serve with integrity and help build a future where every Filipino, especially every child, has the opportunity to grow up with hope.

29/08/2026

Congratulations to the Newly Appointed NACC Officials! 🎉

Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian officiated the oath-taking of NACC Deputy Executive Director Madeline Arezu Jam and NACC Member Atty. Bernadette Lourdes Bargas Abejo on Tuesday (August 25) at the DSWD Central Office in Quezon City.

The oath-taking formally marked the beginning of their respective responsibilities in the National Authority for Child Care (NACC), as they join the Council in advancing programs and policies that uphold the rights, welfare, and best interests of Filipino children.

The Department looks forward to their commitment and contributions to strengthening child care and protection efforts and ensuring that every child is given the care, protection, and support they need to thrive.

Photos: BGC

❤️

29/08/2026

𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 𝗧𝗢 𝗡𝗔𝗖𝗖! 💙💛❤️

The National Authority for Child Care (NACC) warmly welcomes Assistant Secretary for Operations Atty. Madeline Arezu Ty Jam and NACC Council Member Atty. Bernadette Abejo as they return to the agency.

Both bring with them years of experience in adoption and alternative child care. Asec. Jam previously served as NACC Assistant Secretary for Administration and Finance, while Atty. Abejo formerly served as Executive Director of the Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB).

Congratulations on your appointments and oath-taking! We look forward to working with you once again as NACC continues to advance the best interests and welfare of every child. 💙💛❤️

28/08/2026

𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗗𝗢𝗘𝗦 𝗔 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗜𝗟𝗬 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗜𝗥 𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗣𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗝𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗘𝗬? 💙💛❤️

WATCH: National Authority for Child Care (NACC) Undersecretary Atty. Gaby Concepcion guests on TV5's Face to Face with Ate Koring to discuss the legal pathways to adoption and alternative child care.

The Tica family also shares their adoption journey and their experience of becoming a family through legal adoption.

Catch their conversation and the Tica family’s story in the full episode.

Ang street food vendor at volunteer teacher na si Justin ang napili...