But the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said it is not the worst yet. In 2000, there were 35 children who were abandoned and 385 who were neglected.
Jaybee Carillo, social welfare information officer, describes an abandoned child as one with no parental care or guardianship and whose parents or guardians deserted the child for at least six months.
A neglected child, on the other hand, is one whose physical and emotional needs are deliberately or inadequately unattended.
Abandoned, neglected and dependent children are placed under the custody of DSWD’s residential facility, the Reception and Studies Center for Children.
Founded in 1983, the center can only house children aged two and below. Once the children grow older, they are sent to foster parents for them to experience family life.
Jennifer Tadena, who heads the center, said there are now 23 foster parents who care for two children per family.
Tadena said there is a need for more foster parents because the center can only house 18 children.
The center lives on a P1.7-million yearly budget, from where operational expenses, sustenance for the children, and salaries of 10 caregivers are taken.
Children consume about two cans of milk per week at P600 per can. With milk, children are also fed lugaw (porridge), vegetables with meat, cereals and biscuits. — Freeman News Service