In the sun-drenched province of La Union, where the Pacific waves kiss the shore and the rich landscape paints a picture of tranquility, a profound movement is quietly reshaping the lives of countless children.
These children, whose futures were once uncertain, are finding stability, love, and hope through adoption and alternative child care (AACC)—a story of compassion that is echoing across the region.
At the heart of this transformative journey is the Regional Alternative Child Care Office in the Ilocos Region (RACCO 1), dedicated to ensuring that every child in need of care is given the opportunity to thrive within a stable and loving environment.
Through the Philippine Foster Care Program (PFCP), the office is not only advocating for children’s rights but also actively creating a network of foster families who open their doors and hearts to those who need them most.
A movement of love and stability
As of today, there are 92 foster parents across the region who have answered this call—ordinary people with extraordinary hearts who embrace 32 foster children within the province.
These individuals, regardless of their backgrounds, have made the conscious decision to change a child’s life.
Some of them are teachers, others are farmers, while some are nurses or business owners.
Their unifying factor?
They all believe that love transcends bloodlines.
It’s a belief that empowers them to become the unwavering pillars of support for children who have experienced unimaginable hardship.
Community and support
One of the standout initiatives has been the Foster Care Congress, an event organized by the National Authority for Child Care (NACC) to bring together foster families from across Luzon.
This program serves as a platform for fostering a sense of community among families, allowing them to share experiences, gain insights, and receive practical tools for their parenting journey.
It’s also a way to acknowledge the incredible contributions of these families and provide them with the emotional and educational resources they need to continue making a difference.
Through such events, foster families, like a family from San Fernando City, La Union, not only grow individually but also strengthen the bond between one another.
The foster mother said there is reassurance in knowing that there are other families out there who understand what they are going through.
“We share stories, offer advice, and remind each other that we are not alone in this journey,” she said.
Healing and stability
But the journey is not just about providing physical care; it’s about emotional healing, stability, and belonging.
Many children who enter foster care carry deep emotional scars from their past, often having never experienced the love and value that a supportive family can provide.
One such child, a bright and happy three-year-old, entered foster care at just 18 months old after enduring neglect during a challenging early life.
Finding a foster family for this child was not immediate—it took months of diligent effort by social workers to ensure the placement would provide a safe and nurturing environment where healing and growth could truly begin.
The process was not without its challenges.
The shortage of available foster families meant that the child spent a brief period in transitional care, where they received basic necessities but lacked the personal connection and stability a family provides.
Eventually, a foster family was found—one willing to open their hearts and home to a child in need.
Adjusting to their new environment came with its hurdles, as the child initially struggled with trust and attachment.
However, through consistent love, patience, and support, the foster family helped the child feel safe and valued, allowing true personality to shine.
Today, the child’s joy and confidence stand as a testament to the profound impact of fostering done with compassion and dedication.
The success of the PFCP is a beacon of hope for the region, but it’s also a reflection of the power of collective action.
It’s a reminder that when individuals, families, and local authorities come together, they can change the course of a child’s life.
They can offer more than just food and shelter—they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, and love.
The said family, like so many others, has grown in ways they never imagined.
The child they once hesitated to welcome has become an inseparable part of their family.
“He is ours now. No matter what the future holds, we will always be here for him. He is our child, and this is his home,” the foster mother said.
The family has expressed intention to provide a permanent home for the child, and they are actively exploring the process of legal adoption.
While foster care is a temporary arrangement, their growing bond with the child has made them determined to offer a lasting, stable environment where the child can continue to thrive.
“We are committed to being their forever family,” she said.
The family is currently in discussions with the child welfare agency, undergoing initial assessments required for adoption.
This involves home visits, interviews, and legal consultations to ensure that the child’s needs and best interests remain the priority.
The process is thorough and sometimes lengthy, particularly when determining the availability of the child for adoption, as biological family reunification must be ruled out first.
Despite the procedural hurdles, the said family remains optimistic as they have also begun preparing emotionally and practically for the shift from foster care to legal parenthood.
Their dedication to the child goes beyond formalities—they have enrolled the child in a nurturing preschool program, engaged in attachment-building activities, and involved extended family in creating a strong support network.
The family’s journey reflects not only their love for the child but also their commitment to providing a forever home, ensuring that their family will remain united no matter what the future holds.
A future of love
As the program continues to grow, the message is clear: every child, no matter their background, deserves a loving home.
RACCO 1 officer-in-charge Hiyasmin Joy Nieva-Rabelas stated the initiative is for the benefit of all children who are in need of a stable and loving family.
“Because every child deserves love…every child deserves a family,” Nieva-Rabelas said.
Every child matters.
And through the collective efforts of communities, local governments, and dedicated foster parents, this message is transforming lives, one child at a time.
And for children, the future is no longer uncertain.
It is filled with love and endless possibilities, with the hope that every child—no matter where they come from—can find a family. (CCMT/AMB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
