Avancena wants more care centres set up for kids across nation

President Rodrigo Duterte’s partner Cielito “Honeylet” has batted for the creation of child-minding centres throughout the country.Avancena, together with the members of the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association, made the call during a visit to the new child-minding centre in Davao City. She encouraged other local government units to “emulate” Davao City’s new child-minding centre, where busy working parents can entrust and leave their children for care.During their visit at the centre, Avancena and the other spouses of Duterte’s Cabinet officials brought rubber mats, toys, books and groceries.The wives of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez said enabling women to work even as they take care of their family was a “core advocacy” of the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association.Grace Frias said the centre “does not just give substitute parental care but also provide age-appropriate developmental activities.” “Facilities like this also address the problem of absenteeism and tardiness prevalent among working mothers,” Frias said.Child-minding centres have been existing in Davao for two decades – one of the reasons why the city has received awards for being the most child-friendly city.Duterte, who served as mayor of Davao City for several years, planned to put up a child-minding centre in every district.“Due to difficulties, the parents work and leave their children in their houses. Most of the time, it is the eldest, sometimes only a four-year-old kid, that will look after his younger siblings,” he had said.“It is heartbreaking that there are child fire victims because their working parents locked them in their house,” he added.Apart from Avancena, the members of the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association are Baby Alonto, Alelee Andanar, Jean Ano, Gina Bello, Jo-Ann Camacho, Marifel Castricciones, Lani Cayetano, FerryLou Cui, Ball Dominguez, Kristine Dino, Emmylou Go, Aloy Lim, Malou Lopez, Edith Lorenzana, Ruby Mamondiong, Betty Medialdea, Neny Pernia, Mylah Roque, Mons Romulo, Marisol Tugade and Che Uy. The Du30 Cabinet Spouses is the association of the spouse of Cabinet secretaries. They engage in socio-civic activities that support and complement the government’s programmes.