David (back to camera) plays kites with his foster family. (Contributed Photo)
The Norfil Foundation Inc. is inviting more foster families to join in its foster care program.
Pepita Dayonot, 47, of Lapu-Lapu City and Evelyn Compleza, 53, of Cordova town are licensed and active foster parents of Norfil Foundation, a child-caring agency in Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City.
Dayonot is the foster mother of David (not his real name), 6, who was left by his mother after birth and turned over to the Pari-an Drop-in center in Cebu City.
David stayed at the center until 5 years old before being referred to Norfil. He was described by the Pari-an Drop-in center’s staff as “difficult to handle.” He rarely talked and responded aggressively when asked. But with the kindness and love of the Dayonots, David’s behavior has changed.
“Ganahan ko dinhi kay naa koy mama, naa koy papa, naa koy ate og kuya (I like here because I have a mother, a father, a brother and sister),” said David.
Dayonot has fostered four children since 2011.
“I decided to become a foster parent to share my love to children which they did not enjoy from their parents. I, too, grew up with no parents and it’s not an easy thing,” Dayonot said.
Compleza said a memorable foster phase in her life re-emerges each time she brings home a kid. Compleza has fostered 21 children since 1998.
“What I consider most precious is the memory of children whose lives have been restored because of the care and love that we have given them,” Compleza said.
The foster care program of Norfil is now 23 years old. Norfil is the only non-government organization that promotes foster care in Cebu, which is continually developing and maintaining a pool of licensed foster families.
“Our long experience in foster care has enabled us to witness how children grow and develop in the warmth of loving families, reason why Norfil recruits families that meet our foster parenting requirements,” Dungog said.
To become a foster parent, one must have commitment towards parenting; have a harmonious relationship with each family member living with fostered child; have sufficient resources to provide for the family’s needs; and must not have children below three years old to prevent child or sibling rivalry.
Under the Foster Care Act of 2012, the Philippine government recognizes that neglected, abused, or abandoned children, including those with special needs will benefit more from foster care than institutional care.
“Foster care is the recommended ancillary when the child’s biological parents cannot care temporarily or permanently for his welfare,” said Angelina Dungog, area manager of Norfil.
“We believe that a child should have full-time attention, should experience warmth of a family setting and personal care in a normal and wholesome family setting,” she added.
For more information on Norfil’s foster care program, call Sheryl Gay Mayol at 3401170.
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