Photo By: Subic Public Information Office
Subic, Zambales — A strengthened commitment to child protection was marked as the Preda Foundation and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Subic signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) aimed at expanding services for vulnerable children in the municipality.
Leading the signing were Preda Foundation President Francis B. Bermido Jr. and Rose G. Casta, RSW, Head of the Preda Victoria Home for Girls, alongside Subic Mayor Jon Khonghun. The partnership focuses on delivering coordinated interventions for children, especially girls who have experienced abuse, exploitation, and trafficking, as well as boys at risk and those in conflict with the law.
Through the agreement, Preda Foundation will provide round-the-clock residential care and implement a comprehensive, child-centered case management approach for children referred by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO).
Children under the program will benefit from a wide range of services, including psychosocial support, counseling, therapy, education, skills training, legal assistance, and recreational activities, all designed to promote healing, development, and reintegration.
On the part of the LGU, Subic will ensure proper documentation of all referred cases and work closely with Preda social workers in gathering essential records. It will also extend support services to children and their families, such as educational assistance, livelihood opportunities, employment facilitation, and family development programs.
The MSWDO, in collaboration with Preda, will oversee the reintegration process and conduct aftercare monitoring for at least one year to ensure the sustained well-being of children who complete the program.
The LGU will likewise help cover the cost of care for children placed in Preda facilities.
This collaboration highlights a unified effort between civil society and local government to uphold children’s rights and provide a safe, supportive environment for their recovery and future growth. (Juan Deveraturda – Subic Public Information Office)