THE Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) 7 said it is working with the parents of the five remaining Lumad minors who are in its custody so that the parents could win back legal custody of their children.
DSWD 7 Director Rebecca Geamala on Wednesday, March 24, 2021, said the required Parenting Capability Assessment Report (PCAR) to be issued by the local social welfare and development office where the family resides has been submitted to them. However, there are still lacking information needed. That is why the minors are still in the DSWD 7’s custody.
Geamala said the PCAR establishes the parenting capacity of the parents and of the family to provide for the needs of the child.
It will also guide the duty-bearers on what they can contribute to respond to the needs of the family, ensuring the best welfare and interest of the minors.
She said they have been in contact with their counterpart in Region IX.
Six minor Lumads were turned over to the DSWD 7 after the controversial police operations conducted at a retreat house owned by a university in Cebu, where Lumad students, teachers and elders were temporarily housed so that the children could continue their education, in early February this year.
The children have been with the DSWD 7 since Feb. 21.
One of the minors turned over to the DSWD 7 has reunited with his father after a court decision.
Geamala said the DSWD 7 provides the remaining five minors with their basic needs and protection. (WBS)