MANILA — President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s partner, Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña, recently suggested putting up “child-minding centers” nationwide to allow mothers to work full time.
In a press statement, Avanceña made this call after visiting Davao City’s new child-minding center with members of the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association (Du30CSA).
The members of the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association (Du30CSA) include Baby Alonto, Alelee Andanar, Jean Año, 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.
During the visit, Avanceña and other spouses brought rubber mats, toys, books, groceries, and the like.
She, meanwhile, encouraged other local government units to emulate Davao City’s new child-minding center.
Enabling women to work even as they take care of their family is a core advocacy of the Du30 Cabinet Spouses Association (Du30CSA), lawyer Betty Medialdea and Cynthia Dominguez said.
City youth development officer Grace Frias, for her part, said the child-minding center gives both substitute parental care and provide age-appropriate developmental activities.
“Facilities like this also address the problem of absenteeism and tardiness prevalent among working mothers,” Frias said.
Du30CSA is the association of the spouse of Cabinet secretaries. They engage in socio-civic activities that support and complement the government’s programs. –PNA
