Manila: Newly appointed National Authority for Child Care (NACC) executive director Undersecretary Maria Gabriela 'Gaby' Concepcion has called for stronger enforcement of existing child protection laws and closer interagency collaboration to combat online baby selling, illegal adoption, and online child sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Speaking at a media forum at the DSWD Central Office on Thursday, Concepcion emphasized the need for effective implementation and enforcement of these laws.
According to Philippines News Agency, Concepcion highlighted that while the country has sufficient laws to protect children, the real challenge lies in their enforcement. She pointed out that addressing issues like online baby selling and child sexual abuse requires coordinated efforts among various government agencies, as no single entity can tackle these problems alone.
Concepcion stressed the importance of involvement from multiple agencies, including the Department of Information and Communication Technology (DICT), Philippine National Police (PNP), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in tackling these issues. She explained that while the NACC ensures rescued children have a safe place to go, the entrapment of perpetrators involves agencies like the NBI, PNP, and Department of Justice (DOJ).
The NACC official noted that existing laws already impose severe penalties on offenders involved in child trafficking and online sexual abuse. However, public awareness and interagency collaboration are crucial in addressing illegal adoption, which remains a concern in some communities.
Concepcion emphasized the role of information campaigns and stronger coordination with local government units through the Regional Alternative Child Care Offices (RACCOs). She highlighted the importance of educating the public about the legal adoption process and fostering stronger associations between RACCOs and local government units.
Aside from legal adoption, Concepcion encouraged more Filipino families to consider foster care as an alternative way of providing children with safe and nurturing homes. She explained that fostering has less stringent requirements compared to adoption, as it does not immediately establish a permanent parent-child relationship.
Families opting for foster care may receive around PHP8,000 in monthly foster care subsidies, with continuous monitoring by social workers. Concepcion, a former foster parent herself, noted that families initially choosing to foster may find the adoption process easier should they decide to adopt the foster child later.
Before her appointment as NACC executive director, Concepcion served as a member of the Council and was known for providing legal advice as the host of her morning television segment 'Ask Atty. Gaby.'
