Gentle Hands Inc. (GHI), a privately-run orphanage, has been issued a cease-and-desist order (CDO) from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) due to various concerns regarding the living conditions and safety of the children under its care.
The order was prompted by poor living standards, overpopulation, the absence of social workers, and fire safety risks.
During a press briefing at the Palace, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian highlighted that GHI was accommodating 149 orphans, far exceeding the limit of 80 children allowed to stay in the facility.
He emphasized that the orphanage has been given 20 days to address the issues raised by the DSWD and rectify the deficiencies.
Gatchalian also mentioned that immediate measures have been taken to ensure the well-being of the children.
Social workers have been deployed to the site to provide proper care and assistance.
The Senator emphasized the importance of safeguarding the children, emphasizing that the welfare and protection of the children are of utmost priority for the DSWD.
"In the interim, we have to protect the children. Now as we speak right now, our social workers are onsite to make sure that we worked with the children, and that they are properly handled. Syempre (Of course), you just don't pull out, our social workers know the protocol," said the Senator.
DSWD Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Romel Lopez explained that the issuance of the CDO was necessary to protect the orphans from imminent danger.
The decision was made after Senator Gatchalian personally visited the GHI orphanage located in Barangay Bagumbuhay, Project 4, Quezon City, on May 20, to verify the complaints received.
Gentle Hands Inc. is a registered social welfare and development agency (SWDA) under the DSWD, holding License No. DSWD-SB-L-000052-2021, granted on August 12, 2021.
However, the issuance of the CDO demonstrates the regulatory powers and responsibilities of the DSWD in ensuring the protection and rights of children against neglect, abuse, exploitation, and adverse conditions that hinder their development.
Assistant Secretary Lopez emphasized that the DSWD has the authority to issue a CDO against SWDAs, particularly when there are significant concerns regarding their facilities.
