The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said the closure of a Pampanga child care facility upholds its duty to protect children and enforce compliance among licensed social welfare institutions

The agency on Aug. 13 issued a 30-day cease and desist order (CDO) against New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga Inc. (NLBCMPI), citing serious violations, including allegations of child abuse, unsafe living conditions, and failure to meet licensing and accreditation requirements.

DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao said the department’s action is grounded in its role to monitor and regulate social welfare and development agencies (SWDAs) nationwide.

“Ang DSWD ang nagbibigay ng  accreditation at license to operate sa mga SWDA’s bilang bahagi nga po ng regulatory at standard-setting function nito kaya’t meron din power ang ahensiya na magpataw ng CDO sa alinmang SWDA na may mga kinakaharap na complaints or issue hinggil sa kanilang pamamalakad at facilities (The DSWD grants accreditation and licenses to operate to SWDAs as part of its regulatory and standard-setting function. Therefore, the agency also has the power to impose a CDO on any SWDA facing complaints or issues regarding their operations and facilities),” she explained.

The CDO was signed by DSWD Secretary Rex Gatchalian and was immediately served to NLBCMPI director Pastor Jeremy Ferguson.

Citing the order, Dumlao said the department had received multiple complaints against the facility, including physical, verbal, and psychological abuse; presence of fire hazards; financial mismanagement; improper case handling; and non-compliance with DSWD standards.

“Pursuant to the authority, regulatory powers, and responsibility for the exercise of the mandate of the DSWD to assist in the protection of the rights of children from all forms of danger, neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation, and other conditions prejudicial to their development and for the discharge of its powers and functions vested upon the Secretary, the undersigned, hereby orders New Life Baptist Church of Mexico, Pampanga, Inc to Cease and Desist from further operations for a period of 30 day upon receipt hereof,” the CDO read.

To address physical safety concerns, the facility was ordered to immediately remove heavy chains and padlocks and install accessible emergency exits.

DSWD also directed the provision of separate beds for beneficiaries, as well as an isolation room or designated space for medical emergencies.

In terms of administrative compliance, the agency directed NLBCMPI to update its case folders, including case study and progress reports.

The management and staff were also required to undergo training on proper case handling and child care practices.

The department has ordered the full cooperation of the facility during the investigation and the immediate transfer of children-residents to DSWD’s protective custody.

“The DSWD's regulatory function is vital in ensuring that agencies engaging in social welfare and development activities remain true to the standards of excellent public service,” Dumlao said.

A total of 156 children, composed of 78 boys and 78 girls, were rescued from the facility and are now under the protective custody of the DSWD’s Reception and Study Center for Children in Lubao, Pampanga.