In the news for alleged abuse, Manila orphanage to be closed—for rehab

The Manila Reception and Action Center, an institution that provides shelter to rescued homeless children in the city, will be closed for rehabilitation, a report from GMA News' “24-Oras” said Friday.

 

According to Manila Social Welfare Department head Dr. Honey Lacuna, the move will allow the center to provide better service.

 

“Para maging talagang institution na siya kung saan talagang puwede kami makapag cater for a longer period of time dapat irehabilitate namin siya,” Lacuna said.

 

The MRAC was earlier criticized after it allegedly neglected a child in their care which was shown in social media to be badly malnourished.

 

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said the agency was still investigating the incident.

 

“Sa ngayon wala pa kaming ebidensiya na mayroong criminal act na nangyari. Mayroon kaming kuwentong naririnig at vina-validate namin,” Soliman said.

 

She added that MRAC was under Manila's jurisdiction and not the DSWD's but said that the malnourished child could have been treated better.

 

“Sinasabi ng mga taga MRAC na mapili, nagagalit siya kaya ayaw niya kumain. Pero kung marunong kang maghandle ng isang autistic child or kung alam nilang autistic siya mahahandle nila at mapapakain siya,” Soliman said.

 

The children under the care of MRAC are being transferred to the DSWD and other non- government organizations as it goes through rehabilitation. —Andrei Medina/NB, GMA News