Working Together towards a more effective and Efficient Foster Care System

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Every child has the right to grow up in a family. But while Filipinos are known to have strong family ties, poverty and difficult living conditions have forced thousands of children to grow up without a home or a family of their own.

Kaisahang Buhay Foundation Incorporated (KBF), a private, non-profit Child and Family Welfare organization, with its mission to raise awareness on the impact and benefits of foster care in the country, recently held a Virtual Blogger Event with a theme "FosterCarePH: Working Together towards a more effective and Efficient Foster Care System".

The event was in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Norfil Foundation Inc., and Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP, and the Advisory Committee on Foster Care (ACFC).

“Today is a special day, a milestone for many families and children in the Philippines. It marks the first time that we, at the Advisory Committee on Foster Care (ACFC), is undertaking a public event to deliver a very important message– an urgent call for potential foster care families to welcome abandoned children into their homes.” said Gil Velez, KBF Strategy Planning Consultant, in his opening remarks.

Through the event, KBF hopes to share and spread awareness about their initiatives to increase the number of foster parents who are willing to provide abandoned and neglected, and other disadvantaged Filipino children with temporary parental care. 

Velez, who is also an adoptive parent, echoed the call for more Filipinos to consider adoption or becoming foster parents, “There are hundreds of children waiting to be adopted, waiting to find temporary homes. I am not a social worker, but I am an adoptive parent and I have seen first-hand, many children in orphanages waiting to find temporary and eventually permanent homes in families where they will be loved and cared for unconditionally.”

The Virtual Blogger Event is the first of three events this year, spearheaded by KBF and PR Agency, Red Havas Manila, to promote awareness on foster care programs in thePhilippines and encourage more Filipino families to become foster parents.

Awareness on Foster Care in PH

During the event, Miramel Garcia-Laxa, Division Chief, Sectoral Programs DivisionProgram Management BureauDSWD Central Office walked the audience through the highlights of the KBF and DSWD Awareness Survey on Foster Care in the Philippines.

The survey, which ran from May 12 to June 2, 2021, was initiated by the Advisory Committee on Foster Care (ACFC) through Kaisahang Buhay Foundation Inc., (KBF) in partnership with DSWD was conducted to:

●      Assess awareness of the public on foster care as a concept

●      Describe the interest of the public in learning more about foster care; and

●      Collect contact details of individuals willing to participate in the foster care program

The highlights of the survey showed 53% of respondents saying they are familiar with foster care while 93% indicated interest in learning more about it. Among these interested respondents, 68% prefer to get more information about foster care on Facebook.

“This is why we are gathered today, to amplify the call for more awareness. With your help and your platforms, we inform and encourage more Filipinos to be a part of our foster care programs,” said Laxa.

The Joys of Foster Care

During the discussions, the program invited 2 guests in the person of Leticia Solana, a foster parent who has cared for more than 50 foster kids, and Randy Sinay, a former foster child who is now a Jail Officer with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Randy, who was left for adoption in an orphanage by his biological mom, became a foster child at age 2. 

“When I was young, I used to be teased as “ampon” but my foster parents always defended me. They always introduce me as their “bunso” even if I was only their foster child and they always made me feel like I was a part of their family,” Randy shared.

Meanwhile, Mommy Letty, who has been a foster mom since 1988, decided to foster children after her children moved out and started their own lives.

“I’ve had 56 foster children already, but I still find it heartbreaking when they’re taken away from me. Despite them being stubborn and hard to care for sometimes, I treat each child as my own,” shared Mommy Letty.

Randy shared how despite reconnecting with his biological family, he still has a deeper connection with his foster family.

“Even when I met my biological parents, the connection I’ve had with my foster family remained strong. After I graduated, I still went home to them. The care and love they have shown me remains strong up to this day,” Randy added.

Despite the challenges, Mommy Letty shares how being a foster mom gives her a sense of fulfilment, “I’m happy even if they get adopted and taken away from me. At first, it’s hard to let go but I find comfort in knowing that they will finally have a permanent home.

Randy called for foster children to not think that they are alone, even if they are foster or adopted children. “Reciprocate the love and care you get with respect and love,” he added. He also appealed for people to consider fostering because he knows how much abandoned children need a loving home.

Mommy Letty made the same appeal saying, “there are a lot of children that need us, they need more of us to provide them with a loving home and care for them,” she appealed.

Foster Care in PH

In the question and answer portion of the event, Program Management Bureau, DSWD Central Office, Director Wilma D. Naviamos and Director Glady Quindoza-Bunao, Executive Director Kaisahang Buhay Foundation Inc., and Vice-President Association of Child Caring Agencies of the Philippines (ACCAP), expounded on the challenges of the foster care system in the Philippines.

“Pre-pandemic, we’ve had challenges in recruiting foster parents. The pandemic made this even more difficult. One challenge is changing perception, especially the attachment of foster parents because most people think it will be very difficult to let go of a child once they are adopted,” Director Glady shared.

“From the government side, while we have an information drive to raise awareness on foster care, we were also impacted by the pandemic. A grassroots approach is needed, we have to bring the program down to the barangay level. We also are expanding the support needed by foster parents,” added Director Wima.

Both also shared how the government and partner foster care NGOs also provide financial subsidies for foster parents. Under the foster care program, there are volunteer foster parents, parents who are financially capable to provide and care for foster children, and subsidised foster parents who are financially supported by the government and its partner NGOs depending on their financial standing.

A big challenge is also ensuring only qualified and capable families are able to foster. There are requirements and standards put in place to ensure that the foster families can sustainably care for the children to protect the child and make sure the families who will care for them are of good character.

“We want to ensure that the child is safe and will get the care they need. We also make sure that the families are ready and committed because fostering is a big endeavor that requires time, commitment and resources,” added Director Glady.

“We have also streamlined the documentary requirement to make it easier for more Filipinos to apply. What’s important is for us to ensure the level of commitment of our applicants. Because of the pandemic, we have also offered online application options to make the process more convenient,” added Director Wilma.

DSWD works closely with NGOs to make sure that the process is made easier and to provide support for all foster families before, during, and even after their involvement in the foster care program.

Be a foster parent

Foster care has been around for a long time; however, a lot of Filipinos still do not know how and where to start their fostering journey.

Ma. Teresa Nuqui, Executive Director, NORFIL Foundation Inc., called for the public to join the mission of providing foster homes to more abandoned children.

“Our foster care programs allow abandoned, in need, and displaced Filipino children to believe that there is hope; that there are caring and loving families who will give them homes to call their own. The number of abandoned children in the Philippines is increasing, we need to reach out and encourage more people to provide foster homes to these children and provide them with a chance for a better future,” called Director Teresa.

To learn more about fostering and #FosterCarePH, visit https://adoption.dswd.gov.ph/ and https://www.kbf.ph/

 

NEW PRODUCT ALERT: Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S3 Joins the Brand's IOT

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If you still haven’t got a smart security camera installed, maybe it’s about time you should. Smart security cameras are advantageous for extra protection—whether it’s keeping an eye out for potential intruders or simply making sure that your loved ones are safe and sound. 

If you’re looking for a bang-for-the-buck option, here’s your sign to get the newest Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S3.

For starters, this product has a contemporary design that can make your home look smart and modern. With a clear 1080P Full HD video resolution and 24/7 video recording feature, you can get more accurate clips and playback on your smartphone, anytime you need. Ensuring better coverage, this smart security camera offers a wide viewing angle and it also features intelligent motion-tracking so you can take note of motion or any suspicious movement in your property. Since this device is likewise equipped with two-way audio, you can give real-time instructions to whoever is at home in case of emergency, through the Cherry Home application. Finally, store your CCTV footage for future reference using up to 128GB microSD card.

Envelope your home in full security by getting the Cherry Home Smart Swivel Camera S3 for P1,499 at:

Cherry Shop PH: www.cherryshop.com.ph

Re-subscribe to DITO199 and get more data for free

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Get a bonus of 3GB-worth of data from Feb 9 to 13

DITO Telecommunity subscribers can get more out of the DITO 199 promo this February with their newest special offer. 

Subscribers of DITO can easily get an additional 3GB-worth of data by re-subscribing to DITO 199 from Feb 9-13 available at all channels of DITO (DITO APP, MyDITO site, DITO Experience Stores, and DITO retail partner stores).

DITO subscribers will automatically get a bonus of 3GB of data every time they subscribe to DITO 199 during the promo period. The bonus 3GB data is valid for 15 days. To learn more about this promo, visit: bit.ly/DITO3GBBonusData

DITO 199 includes 25GB worth of high-speed data for P199, and DITO 99 offers the 10GB of the same high-speed data for only P99. Both are valid for 30 days and include unlimited DITO-to-DITO calls and texts, and unlimited texts plus free 300 minutes of calls to other networks. 

With more than 6 million subscribers, DITO is now available in over 500 cities and municipalities and 55,000 touchpoints nationwide.

For more information about DITO’s, promos, complete list of requirements, customer support, and other details, visit www.dito.ph or check out @DITOPhOfficial on social media.  

Shoppers and partners of The SM Store give back to communities

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Sharing the gift of learning. The SM Store’s Donate-A-Book gathered more than 130,000 books in 2021 from customers and partner organizations. The books were distributed to over 100 public schools and community organizations nationwide. 

Through the generosity of its shoppers and partners, The SM Store was able to gather more than 130,000 books and 45,000 toys through its Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy programs in 2021. The SM Store gave shoppers a Php 100 discount coupon for each toy or book that they donated. Along with the books and toys, The SM Store also donated backpacks and school supplies.

The community programs were implemented in partnership with SM Foundation for children in public schools, orphanages, pediatric hospitals, health centers, Christian- and Muslim-run charitable institutions, non-government institutions, and Indigenous People communities. Each of the 68 branches of The SM Store identified two or more community beneficiaries for the donation drive. A list of beneficiaries can be found at www.thesmstore.com.

“We are grateful for the overwhelming support of our shoppers for our Donate-A-Book and Share-A-Toy. Our shoppers are looking for ways to give back, especially during challenging times, and we at The SM Store are happy to share this mission with them,” said Chelo Monasterio, President of The SM Store.

She added that last years’ programs were special because aside from the generous shoppers of The SM Store, academic institutions, private companies, and non-government organizations took part in the initiative and donated books and toys for the communities.

Schools, publications, and NGOs mobilized communities to share the joy of learning

For Donate-A-Book, the Coordinating Council of Private Educational Associations of the Philippines (COCOPEA); Philippine Association of Private Schools, Colleges and Universities (PAPSCU); and the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) mobilized their members to donate quality books and reference materials that will help rebuild and enrich the collections of community and public school libraries.

Olivia Camatog, principal of De La Salle Zobel in Alabang, a member school of PAPSCU and COCOPEA, said the books they donated came from their library collection, some of which have multiple copies. Through this program with SM, Camatog expressed their happiness in giving a meaningful contribution toto rebuilding other schools' libraries.

Publishing companies like Learning Is Fun WS Publication, one of the business partners of The SM Store Stationery, donated reference and activity books. Trailblazing Publishing from the PAPSCU network also shared brand new K to 12 books for public schools.

Representatives from Learning is Fun WS Publication turned over its book donations to The SM Store and SM Foundation through an online event. The donated books were given to children from hospitals, health centers and charitable institutions.

The Philippine Commission on Women and the National Council of Women of the Philippines also shared books they gathered from partner NGOs. “Through the distribution network of The SM Store and their presence all over the country, we are happy to partner with them so that our book collection will reach more girls and boys in far flung communities,” said Sandy Montano, Chairwoman of the Philippine Commission on Women.

Donate-A-Book was implemented in select branches of The SM Store from August 15 to September 30, 2021. Books were donated to more than 100 public schools and community organizations.

Trade partners and private firms shared toys to make kids happy

The SM Store and the Toy Kingdom teamed up for Share-A-Toy from December 1 to 31, 2021 in all branches of The SM Store and Toy Kingdom nationwide.

HSBC Global Service Center Philippines adopted the Share-A-Toy program as part of its employee engagement activity. HSBC employees shared 4,000 new toys and educational materials.

Sharing joy through toys. The SM Store and Toy Kingdom’s Share A Toy collected around 45,000 toys in 2021. The SM Store branches nationwide are currently rolling out the distribution to the selected communities.

The SM Store is currently rolling out the distribution of donations to the selected communities. The SM Store branches already distributed a portion of the donated toysto children from remote Aeta communities in Guimaras and Antique; Jalaud Elementary School in Iloilo; Bahay ni San Jose orphanage; Benguet General Hospital and Medical Center; Philippine General Hospital; Mary the Queen Parish in Quezon City; and San Mateo Elementary School and Guitnang Bayan Elementary School in Rizal.

This year, The SM Store started its donation drive with Share Your Extras to benefit communities impacted by Typhoon Odette. SM shoppers were encouraged to donate old and new clothes. Collections from Metro Manila and Luzon branches will be distributed to typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas and Mindanao. Share Your Extras will run from January 15 to February 15, 2021, for Metro Manila branches and February 1 to February 28 for north and south Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao branches. For every donation, shoppers will receive a Php 100 discount voucher valid for their next purchase.

Sharing clothes for Odette-hit communities. Share Your Extras is currently accepting clothing donations in participating The SM Store branches nationwide until February 28.

Answer this Shopee Love Language Quiz to find the perfect gift for your partner this Valentine’s Day

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Shop these fun and thoughtful items under ₱500 at Shopee’s Valentine’s Deals You’ll Love until Feb 14

Not sure what to give your significant other this special hearts’ day? Whether it’s to wow them with a grand gesture or melt their heart with a sentimental trinket, what matters most is showing how much your loved one means to you through a thoughtful gift.

If you’re still searching for the right Valentine’s Day present, why not start by knowing your special someone’s love language? Take this quiz to find out whether they prefer words of affirmation, physical touch, quality time, receiving gifts, or acts of service. Once you find out their love language, check out the corresponding gift suggestions that you can grab at amazing deals, only at Shopee’s Valentine’s Deals You’ll Love!

Which of these do you often do with your significant other?

            A. Exchange love letters

            B. Watch movies and cuddle

            C. Go shopping together

            D. Discover new food places to try

            E. Stay at home and cook for each other

How do you show your appreciation to your partner?

A.  Sending good morning texts

B.  Giving a warm hug after a tiring day

C.  Randomly surprising them with flowers

D.  Going on spontaneous out of town trips

E.  Making them their favorite coffee in the morning

What do you think is your other half’s best quality?

A.     Honesty

B.     Kindness

C.    Generosity

D.    Loyalty

E.     Empathy

What do you like most about your partner?

A.     They never fail to say “I love you”

B.     They give you kisses before leaving

C.    They appreciate everything you give them

D.    They listen intently and remember details about you

E.     They volunteer to go on errands with you

Which quote best describes your relationship?

A.     “Love without communication is impossible.”

B.     "Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."

C.    “Where there is love there is life.”

D.    "No matter how busy you are, if you really care, you will find the time for someone."

E.     “Love is strong in its passion; affection is powerful in its gentleness.”

If you answered mostly As, your partner’s love language is Words of Affirmation:

Words mean more to them than anything else. They feel the most appreciated when they hear and see words of affection and praise. Leave cute little love letters for them to open from time to time with these Mini Message Capsules for a personal and intimate Valentine’s gift. 

If you answered mostly Bs, your partner’s love language is Physical Touch:

It's the simple hugs and kisses that warms their heart the most. The best gift to remind them that they are loved even when you’re apart is with this Teddy Bear Plush Doll. This comfortable plush doll can be your lover’s substitute cuddle buddy when you’re away. 

If you answered mostly Cs, your partner’s love language is Receiving Gifts:

Your valentine feels the most loved when given thoughtful and meaningful presents. To them, gifts are visual representations of love. Keep the romance alive and get them this Rose Soap Flower bouquet that comes with twinkly lights and a variety of designs in their favorite color.

If you answered mostly Ds, your partner’s love language is Quality Time:

Undivided attention is the best measure of love for your significant other. It makes them feel important when you are actively listening to them and when both of you are bonding over activities. Prepare an entertaining Valentine’s by gifting your other half with the Ultimate Game For Couples and enjoy a night of fun knowing more about each other.

If you answered mostly Es, your partner’s love language is Acts of Service:

Your partner believes that your gestures - big or small - are the most meaningful form of love. Show just how much you appreciate them with this Multifunction Korean Non-stick Pan, and whip up a romantic Valentine’s dinner for two. It offers you convenience and creativity with its steaming, frying, and rice cooking features, all wrapped in one handy device!

Make the season of love even more special and shop at Shopee’s Valentine's Deals You'll Love until February 14 for deals and discounts up to 90% off on perfect date needs and intimate gifts for your loved one. For more info, visit: https://shopee.ph/m/valentines-deals-youll-love

To get even more deals this Valentine’s Day, head over to Photobook Philippines, Deli PH, Durex, Triumph, Meiji, Perfetti Van Melle, Kemiling, HBO Go, Deerma, Philips and Hawaii Home for discounts on their beloved items and goods.

Starting February 8, you can also check out the February 15 Payday Sale for an even more rewarding shopping experience on your Valentine’s Day preparations when you get Free Shipping ₱0 min. spend, 10% Off Vouchers and 50% Bills Cashback on your purchases. 

For more info, visit: https://shopee.ph/m/payday-sale