In a joint initiative, the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Department’s (DSWD) Standards Bureau (SB) successfully completed a nationwide series of capacity-building activities aimed at strengthening the quality of care and case management across the country’s adoption and alternative child care programs.

The Strengthening Foundations, Advancing Standards: A Capacity-Building Training for Social Work Agencies (SWAs) on the Implementation of Adoption and Alternative Child Care Programs and Services (AACCPS) was strategically conducted across four regional clusters to ensure broad coverage and targeted support, beginning with the Central and Northern Luzon Cluster in Makati City (August 5-8), followed by the Mindanao Cluster in Cagayan de Oro (August 11-15), the Visayas Cluster in Palo, Leyte (September 9-12), and concluding with the Southern Luzon Cluster in Quezon City (September 22-26).

The training sessions focused heavily on ensuring regulatory compliance and introducing mechanisms for greater efficiency and quality for Child Caring Agencies (CCAs), Child Placing Agencies (CPAs), and DSWD-managed Residential Care Facilities (RCFs).

On the first batch of training, SB Director Atty. Megan Therese Y. Manahan presented the Draft Guidance on the Joint Assessment Visit of the SB and NACC, outlining new protocols for a harmonized and efficient assessment process for all agencies. Furthermore, participants received an orientation and demonstration of the DSWD
Harmonized Electronic License and Permit System (HELPS), along with discussions on the latest Omnibus Guidelines on the Regulation of SWDAs. These sessions, led by Ms. Anna Maria Alexa G. Ledesma, Social Welfare Officer V of the SB, are key to ensuring SWAs operate with the highest standards and efficiency.

In the Mindanao and Southern Luzon clusters, discussions were led by Ms. April M. Marilla-Penaflor, Social Welfare Officer IV of the SB, including the “Guidelines on the Implementation of Adoption and Alternative Child Care (AACC) Programs in All Public and Private Residential-Based SWAs Catering to Children,” also known as
Memorandum Circular No. 7, series of 2025.

In addition, representatives from the NACC, led by its Assistant Secretary Rowena M. Macalintal, provided detailed information on the updated tools and knowledge to deliver AACC programs and services, including orientations on NACC Memorandum Circular No. 3, series of 2024 or the “Guidelines on the Certification of Alternative Child Care
Programs and Services (AACCPS).

By investing in the skills and knowledge of the SWAs, the DSWD and NACC are actively upholding the best interest of the children under their care, reinforcing the foundation of the country’s alternative child care system. (MGCBA)