As a newly established organization, Catholic Care for Children Philippines (CCCPH) conducted a quick visit and provided technical support to its member institutions in Cebu Province on July 2, 2026, following its participation in the 18th Global Consultation on Inter-Country Adoption and Alternative Child Care (June 30–July 1, 2026).
The visit was led by the CCCPH Country Director, Sr. Maria Socorro Pilar G. Evidente, DC, and covered four residential institutions for children operated by religious congregations.
St. Alfonso Maria Fusco Home
The team first visited the St. Alfonso Maria Fusco Home, a residential institution for school-aged to teenage boys run by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist. During the visit, the sisters shared updates on the home’s current status, ongoing challenges, and future plans.
A key focus of the discussion was their continued efforts toward transitioning from institutional care to community-based services, supporting children within their families and communities whenever possible.
Santo Niño Center, Liloan
The second visit was to the Santo Niño Center, a child-caring institution in Liloan, Cebu, which provides temporary shelter care for boys aged 8 to 18. The center is managed by the CFIC Brothers Foundation and was welcomed by its Center Director, Bro. Arthur Abacahan, CFIC.
Although not yet a member of CCCPH, the visit served as an opportunity to introduce the organization and invite the community to join the network. As part of this engagement, the center was invited to participate in Cohorts 15 and 16 of the Catholic Care for Children International’s Moving Towards Family Solutions Course. The Center Director and social worker expressed their intention to attend.
Our Lady of the Divine Providence
The third stop was Our Lady of the Divine Providence in Talisay, Cebu, also managed by the Sisters of St. John the Baptist (Baptistine Sisters) and dedicated to female children.
During the visit, the sisters and social worker shared updates on their programs, challenges, and innovations. A brief case review was conducted, during which the CCCPH team provided insights and recommendations to support the safe transition of children toward permanent, loving families.
Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Children’s Home Inc.
The final visit was to the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts Children’s Home Inc. in Cebu City, a residential facility for female survivors of abuse. The institution is managed by the Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Hearts.
The sisters and social worker were encouraged to participate in Cohorts 15 and 16 of the Moving Towards Family Solutions Course, especially as previous administrators who had undergone the training had already been reassigned to other mission areas.
Strengthening Collaboration for Family-Based Care
While the visit was brief, it served as a meaningful reminder that Catholic Care for Children Philippines is both a movement and a support network. Greater impact can be achieved in transitioning children to safe, loving, nurturing, and permanent families through stronger collaboration, shared learning, and complementary efforts.
This is especially important given that institutions run by religious sisters and brothers represent a significant portion of child-caring agencies in the Philippines.
