The Regional Alternative Child Care Office-Davao Region (Racco-Davao) is urging the public to participate in the foster care program, citing a growing number of children in need of foster families.
Current Foster Care Situation in Davao Region
Atty. Kristelle May O. Cagatin, legal officer of Racco-Davao, reported that there are approximately 50 licensed foster parents in the region, caring for around 63 foster children. Data from Racco-Davao indicates a widening gap in foster care capacity, with 62 recorded licensed foster families caring for 82 children in 2024.
Cagatin hopes that local government units (LGUs) in the region will establish their own foster care programs, as the number of abandoned children has increased. She emphasized the benefits of one-on-one care over institutional placement.
Call for LGU Involvement
"Mas maayo man gyud nang one-on-one ang care ba kaysa ibutang nato sila sa institutions, mao nang gina-awhag gyud nato kung pwede ang LGUs mag-develop og foster families," she said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw on June 23, 2026, at SM City Davao. (It is really much better to have one-on-one care rather than putting them in institutions, which is why we are strongly urging LGUs, if possible, to develop foster families.)
Most foster parents are concentrated in Davao City, with some from Sta. Cruz, Digos City, Sulop, Malita, Don Marcelino, Panabo City, Tagum City, Monkayo, Lupon, and Malalag. Other areas have no licensed foster parents.
Qualifications for Foster Parents
Qualifications for licensed foster parents are based on Republic Act No. 10165, the Foster Care Act of 2012. A foster parent must be of legal age and at least 16 years older than the child, unless the foster parent is a relative; possess good moral character as evidenced by NBI and police clearances; be physically and mentally capable and emotionally mature; and demonstrate genuine interest, capacity, and commitment to parenting and providing a stable community for the child.
Cagatin noted that some parents are motivated by the monthly subsidy of P8,000 for children and P10,000 for differently abled children. However, she stressed that foster parents should look beyond the subsidy, have genuine care for the children, and possess financial capacity to support them, as the subsidy does not cover all needs.
Another requirement is a harmonious family relationship, as children are not placed in conflicted families. Prospective foster parents must also attend the pre-adoption and foster care forum for guidance.
Best Interest of the Child
Cagatin said Racco looks into the best interest of the foster child, considering not only financial capabilities but also the child's placement within the family.
Understanding Foster Care
Foster care differs from adoption in that adoption is a permanent placement, while foster care is an alternative child care program providing temporary placement for neglected, abused, abandoned, or special-circumstance children with licensed foster families.
Foster care in the Philippines is governed by RA 10165, the Foster Care Act of 2012, which aims to provide a substitute family environment instead of institutional care, such as homes for girls, boys' homes, or orphanages.
