By Myris Lee
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) lauded the passage of Republic Act (RA) 11767 or the Foundling Recognition and Protection Act, a law that would recognize and protect the rights and welfare of deserted and abandoned children.
The law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on May 6, 2022.
“Pinalawak po dito sa ating batas ang mga lugar kung saan po natin pupwedeng ilagak ang bata hangga’t hindi po nakukuha namin, sa National Authority for Childcare, at ito ay ang tinatawag nating mga licensed child-caring agencies; licensed child-placing agencies,” DSWD National Authority for Childcare Executive Director Glenda Relova said during the May 24 Laging Handa briefing.
“Maaari din po ang church or simbahan na nagpi-perform ng regular worship services; pwede rin po ang mga DOH-accredited facilities or hospitals, kasama po dito ang mga barangay health stations; pwede rin po sa local DSWD office; maaari din po sa DSWD-managed facilities, iyon pong ating mga centers; at maaari din po sa mga LGU-managed facilities,” Relova added.
Meanwhile, Relova said those who will register a foundling with bad intention such as child trafficking may face a P1-M to P5-M penalty or imprisonment of at least three months to two years, or both. – gb
