Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Undersecretary for
National Authority for Child Care Janella Ejercito Estrada said that the number of sibling cases
in residential care is a growing concern given the adoptive families’ preference to adopt a
single child and during infancy.
“The situation of siblings in institutions or under the care of the Government is my top priority.
These kids are in the system through no fault of their own and have suffered traumatic
experiences including abandonment and rejection. They continue to be anxious on what could
their life be. It is our job to establish normalcy in their lives,” said Usec. Ejercito Estrada.
About 154 children of 56 sibling groups have been declared legally available for adoption and
to benefit from the newly institutionalized administrative adoption process through R.A. 11642
or the Domestic Administrative Adoption and Alternative Child Care Act.
Many of whom have been voluntarily surrendered by their biological parents due to inability to
care and provide for the children. The Government and childcare institutions take over to
provide either temporary care to allow the parents to recuperate or to place the children in
adoptive families who are best able to love and care for the children.
“Clearly there are structural reforms that have to be introduced to specifically address sibling
cases under alternative childcare methods. As much as possible, siblings cannot be separated
as they have endured a series of trauma long enough. To tear them apart is a triple blow
against their morale and development,” Estrada stressed.
“We will continue to convene scientific and legal experts, child care institutions, placement
agencies, non-government organizations and civil society groups to consolidate their
experience-based and technical inputs to introduce reforms and bring about change in the
current alternative child care system,” Usec. Estrada said.
“Among the initial steps to undertake are residential care reforms to ensure that children have
access to quality education, the best healthcare, and mental health support. Providing their
basic needs during their stay in the system provides them hope and prepares them to establish
normalcy in their life,” Estrada explained.
“There is also a need to provide a coping mechanism for the children to heal from the trauma
of abuse and rejection. Mental illness, trauma history, and behavioral challenges have a large
impact on a person’s ability to lead a successful and fulfilling life,” Estrada stressed.
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