Sablan: The Regional Alternative Child Care Office for Western Visayas (RACCO-6) of the National Authority for Child Care is urging solo parents and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to consider applying as adoptive or foster parents. This initiative is part of an effort to broaden the definition of family beyond the traditional setup of mother, father, and children.

According to Philippines News Agency, RACCO-6 head Janice Brasile±o highlighted the importance of embracing all types of families during this year's Adoption and Child Care Week. She emphasized that beyond childless couples, solo parents and LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcome to join the community of adoptive and foster families in Western Visayas. The key requirement is the ability to provide a safe and nurturing home, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Brasile±o outlined the eligibility criteria for potential adoptive or foster parents: they must be Filipino citizens with full civil and legal rights, a clean record of moral turpitude, and good moral character. Since 2023, RACCO-6 has processed 189 adoption petitions under Republic Act 11642, with 128 resulting in adoption orders. Out of these, 25 petitions were from single applicants, while 164 were from married couples.

The office is also actively promoting the amnesty available under Republic Act 11222, the Simulated Birth Rectification Act, encouraging those with simulated birth records to come forward before the March 29, 2029 deadline. To date, 52 petitions have been filed, with 44 receiving an order of finality. Nine of these petitions came from single applicants, while 43 were from married couples.

Brasile±o stressed the importance of family-based care as the optimal environment for a child's development, advocating for institutional care only as a temporary solution when no other options are available. She called for continued support and assistance to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a family environment.