Four years since its establishment, the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) continues to expand its reach to help thousands of children find safe and legal homes. The agency aims to make adoption and alternative child care more efficient through closer ties with local government units (LGUs) nationwide.
As a mandated agency, the NACC declares whether a child is legally adoptable, whether for domestic administrative adoption or inter-country adoption. It also manages the placement of orphaned or at-risk children in appropriate alternative care, to protect their welfare.
Since the domestic adoption function was transferred to NACC three years ago, a total of 5,685 children have been assisted. Of this number, 1,655 have been successfully adopted within the country, while 481 have been processed for inter-country adoption in coordination with 17 partner countries. According to the agency, adoption is free, no lawyer is required, and the process is faster—it only takes up to nine months once the documents are complete.
The NACC is also strengthening the foster care program, where 1,089 children have been given temporary homes. Of the foster families, 800 received monthly subsidies ranging from ₱8,000 to ₱10,000, to support the children's daily needs while they prepare for their long-term future.
At the same time, the agency is closely monitoring illegal adoption and online baby-selling, which are considered serious crimes. NACC emphasizes that there is a clear and humane child surrender mechanism for parents or guardians who are no longer able to care for them. In this way, children are protected against trafficking and exploitation, and it is ensured that every step goes through proper process and law.
